Trump administration OKs Medicaid work requirements

WASHINGTON—The White House announced new guidance Thursday to support states seeking to implement work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries. The announcement enables states to deny health coverage to some Medicaid recipients who cannot demonstrate they have a job. The guidance does not apply to Americans with disabilities, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Seema Verma, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), said the work requirements would only apply to working-age and able-bodied beneficiaries. “Medicaid needs to be more flexible so that states can best address the needs of this population,” she said in a statement. “Our fundamental goal is to make a positive and lasting difference in the health and wellness of our beneficiaries, and today’s announcement is a step in that direction.” At least 10 states have asked CMS to allow them to implement new Medicaid policies that would require some beneficiaries to work. Verma noted the guidance came in response to those requests. Medicaid is the United States’ largest federal health program. Each year, more than 70 million people take part in the program at a cost of more than $400 billion.