People with cancer / HIV could lose Medicaid under new work rules, advocates say
3 hours ago
- #Patient Advocacy
- #Healthcare Policy
- #Medicaid Work Rules
- Strict new Medicaid work rules may endanger health coverage for individuals with cancer, HIV, and other serious illnesses, as exemptions require the condition to actively hinder work ability, not just necessitate continuous coverage.
- Republicans frame work requirements as a 'path to prosperity,' citing data on TV viewing habits, while Democrats and patient advocates warn of dire consequences, including loss of coverage for millions and increased bureaucracy.
- The rule, part of a $900 billion Medicaid cut, mandates adults (19-64) in expanded Medicaid states prove 80 hours monthly of work, school, or volunteering, despite most Medicaid recipients already working and facing barriers like job scarcity or layoffs.
- Advocates criticize the lack of funding to help individuals find work, predicting chaos and confusion, with eligible people likely losing coverage due to complex reporting processes and paperwork errors.