Keep Medicaid Strong: It Works.

Myths about the Medicaid program, and myths about people with Medicaid, are behind the latest attempt to add work reporting requirements to the program.

The fact is that Medicaid works—and works well—without work reporting requirements.

Medicaid works: Just ask Michigan and Ohio. Nearly two-thirds of adults enrolled in Medicaid are employed, and many who do not are students or full-time caregivers. According to a survey of people covered by Medicaid in Michigan, the program helps people find jobs—and keep them.

A study in Ohio found that Medicaid coverage is associated with higher rates of employment. Having Medicaid helps people get the care they need so they can return to work quickly.

Work reporting requirements will place a substantial burden on states. They will be hard-pressed to implement extensive new reporting requirements for enrollees at a time when Medicaid agencies are redetermining eligibility as pandemic-era coverage protections end. Past efforts to implement work requirements have come with big price tags picked up by taxpayers and resulted in a confusing maze of red tape for enrollees.

Medicaid works–and works well–without work reporting requirements. Protect coverage for people who qualify for Medicaid without imposing additional work verification requirements that will create problems for states and enrollees.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

Voices of Medicaid Enrollees: The Importance of Consistent Coverage (ACAP Research)
Partnership for Medicaid: Medicaid Reforms Must Be Policy Driven, Not Budget Driven (letter, 5/8/23)
ACAP statement on work requirements (4/19/23)

Marketplace: What would Medicaid work requirements mean for those who receive it? (3/21/17)