Dowling explained that the legislation “will not take away the healthcare” of people who are on Medicaid. The requirement under the bill only applies those who are capable of working.
“We are simply encouraging those who still have the ability to work,” said Dowling in a recent statement.
Under the legislation, certain individuals are exempted from the requirement including:
- An enrollee who is attending high school full time.
- An individual who is receiving temporary or permanent long-term disability benefits.
- An individual who is under 19 years of age or those who are 65 and older.
- Pregnant women.
- SSI beneficiaries.
- An individual residing in a mental health institution or correctional institution.
- An individual experiencing a crisis, serious medical condition or temporary condition, which prohibits employment, including, but not limited to, domestic violence or a substance use disorder.
- Those who are a primary caregiver to a dependent under 6 years of age.
- Those who are the primary caregiver for a person who is permanently disabled or in hospice.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for work requirements for people receiving Medicaid, and other social services. Ten states already submitted requests to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to change eligibility standards for Medicaid.
