Patient Groups Seek Exemptions From Medicaid Work Requirements

Patient groups are seeking exemptions from Medicaid work requirements included in President Trump’s tax cut bill. The provision requires certain beneficiaries to demonstrate they are working, in school, or volunteering to maintain coverage. Advocates for people with HIV and sickle cell disease have met with federal officials to request that patients with those conditions be automatically exempt.

The groups argue the conditions can create barriers to meeting the new standards. Federal officials have until June 1 to provide states with direction on how to carry out the requirements. States must then have their systems in place by Jan.

1. The accelerated timeline for implementation is creating difficulties for states as they prepare to update eligibility systems and procedures. It remains unclear how the government will determine which beneficiaries should face the additional requirements.

Sickle cell disease patients recently met with White House budget officials to present their case for an exemption. Advocacy organizations focused on HIV are pursuing a similar effort with federal officials. The work requirements apply to certain Medicaid beneficiaries as part of broader changes enacted through the tax legislation.

Patient organizations continue to press for protections for those with chronic conditions that may interfere with work, education, or volunteering activities.