New Hampshire is once again trying to be the first state to get federal approval to add work requirements to its Medicaid expansion program. This comes a year after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rejected a similar request — albeit under a different administration.
The state’s latest proposal would require people applying for expanded Medicaid coverage to prove that they’re employed, in training or in school — with some exceptions, like if they’re enrolled in drug court or caring for a young child.
Last November, the federal government shot down New Hampshire’s request to add work requirements to its Medicaid program. Under the Obama administration, the federal government turned down all requests like this from states, saying work requirements could jeopardize access to coverage.
But as part of the state budget trailer bill lawmakers approved earlier this year, legislators passed a requirement directing the Department of Health and Human Services to seek out approval again.
DHHS sent the application Wednesday, and plans to hold public hearings on Sept. 14 and 21.