Six Reasons Work Requirements Are a Bad Idea for Medicaid

HHS has issued its first two approvals for state Medicaid waivers that make a person’s health coverage contingent on their work status. Kentucky and Indiana are the first states to get approval for waivers that tie coverage to work. Several other states are seeking approval for similar waivers.  Visit our 1115 Waiver Resource Center for details.  

States can make these changes to their Medicaid program under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act. Section 1115 gives states the ability to modify their programs to pursue demonstrations that promote the objectives of the Medicaid program: that is, to better deliver care to low-income, eligible people. A number of states currently have, or have applied for, Section 1115 waivers to cover their adult Medicaid population.