States Can Require Work for Medicaid Under New Trump Rules

Jan. 11 (UPI) -- For the first time, states will be allowed to move toward requiring some Medicaid recipients to work to receive benefits, under new guidelines issued by President Donald Trump's administration Thursday.

The policy shift by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services instructs states on how to compel "able-bodied, working-age" Medicaid recipients to work in order to receive benefits. 

"Medicaid needs to be more flexible so that states can best address the needs of this population. 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," CMS Administrator Seema Verma said.

The new policy is a response to numerous state test programs through Medicaid projects in which recipients participated in community engagement activities, including skills training, education, job search, volunteering and care giving.

The conditions would exclude individuals eligible for Medicaid due to disability, elderly beneficiaries, children and pregnant women.