This move by President Donald Trump to sign a law adding work requirements for some Medicaid recipients has caused a ripple effect in at least 14 states that were already in the process of designing their own plans. Georgia is currently the only state with a work requirement in place for Medicaid, but several other states have been working towards implementing similar policies for years. However, these states now need to ensure that their proposals align with the new federal law signed by Trump.
States like South Dakota have halted their plans to implement work requirements due to concerns that their rules may not align with the federal law. On the other hand, states like Arkansas and Arizona have proposed even more stringent requirements than what the federal law mandates. Both states are now working with federal officials to ensure that their plans are in compliance with the new standards.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services is currently analyzing how the new federal standards interact with state waivers. States can make changes to their Medicaid programs through demonstration waivers, which are subject to federal approval. Several states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah, have filed or plan to file such applications with work requirements.
Congressional Republicans have allowed states to fast-track national standards through waivers, but states seeking stricter requirements may have a better chance of approval than those with more lenient ones. Montana, for example, is the first state to draft a waiver application since the finalization of national work requirements. Their draft plan largely aligns with the federal law but includes additional exemptions for vulnerable populations.
In South Carolina, state officials are seeking to roll out work requirements for a limited number of newly eligible Medicaid beneficiaries as part of a partial Medicaid expansion proposal. The state’s governor has called this proposal a “state-specific solution.” Overall, states are now working to ensure that their work requirement plans are in compliance with the new federal law while also incorporating state-specific touches. Georgia’s Medicaid program is facing uncertainty as it awaits guidance from the federal government on whether changes need to be made to its plan. The program’s initial design called for regular checks every six months, but a recent pivot has moved away from this requirement. This deviation from the original plan also differs from the new federal rules, which mandate checks every six months.
Fiona Roberts, a spokesperson for Georgia’s Medicaid agency, expressed that the state is still in a state of limbo as it waits for direction from the federal government. The uncertainty surrounding the program’s future has left many stakeholders anxious about the implications of potential changes.
As Georgia navigates this period of uncertainty, it is essential for the state to remain proactive in addressing any potential shifts in policy. The collaboration between state and federal agencies will be crucial in ensuring that the needs of Medicaid recipients are met effectively.
KFF Health News correspondents Sam Whitehead and Lauren Sausser have contributed valuable insights to this ongoing story. Their reporting has shed light on the challenges facing Georgia’s Medicaid program and the importance of clear guidance from federal authorities.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is important for all stakeholders to stay informed and engaged in the decision-making process. By working together, Georgia can navigate these uncertain times and ensure that its Medicaid program remains a vital resource for those in need.
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