Several conservative-led states are declining to adopt federal hardship exemptions that would allow low-income Medicaid recipients to retain coverage even if they fail to meet new work or activity requirements under the Affordable Care Act. The upcoming federal mandate, set to take effect, demands that Medicaid enrollees work, study, volunteer, or engage in qualifying activities for at least 80 hours monthly to keep their benefits. Experts suggest political considerations may be driving these states’ decisions to forgo the exemptions, which could affect how many individuals remain eligible for health coverage. The move raises questions about access to care for vulnerable populations as enforcement of the rules approaches.
States like Missouri and Iowa are choosing to not take up exemption designed to help low-income people keep coverage during hardshipSome conservative states that have rejected hardship exemptions for the new Medicaid requirements may be choosing not to due to political reasons, experts say.New federal work requirements for Medicaid, slated to come into effect on 1 January, mean that adults enrolled through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion will have to work, attend school, volunteer, or take part in another qualifying activity at least 80 hours a month to maintain their coverage. Continue reading...
