DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Tuesday announced Iowa Health and Human Services submitted a federal waiver to establish work requirements for Medicaid recipients.
The waiver reflects pending Iowa House and Senate legislation that would require able-bodied adults on the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan – or expanded Medicaid – to work at least 80 hours per month.
Reynolds said the requirements aims to help people take an active role in their health and well-being, while preserving Medicaid for those who need it most.
“It has always been a priority of mine to make sure our government programs reflect a culture of work. It is common sense and good policy,” Gov. Reynolds said. “If you are an able-bodied adult who can work, you should work. We need to return Medicaid back to its core purpose—to provide coverage to the people who truly need it.”
Exemptions include:
A person under 19 years old A person who is over 64 years old A person who is disabled A person who is medically frail or medically exempt under Medicaid A caretaker of a dependent child under six years old A woman with a high-risk pregnancy A person receiving unemployment benefits A person participating in substance use disorder treatment
House Republicans estimate that around 100,000 Iowans on expanded Medicaid are able to work but aren’t.
Opponents of the change say lawmakers should instead be asking why so many Iowans are on Medicaid in the first place.
Iowa HHS is expected to hold a 30-day public comment period, including two public hearings, to allow Iowans to provide input.
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