Proposed Medicaid Work Requirement Garners Debate

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A proposal that would require Medicaid recipients in Mississippi to work is garnering a lot of attention and debate.

The message from this group to state officials was clear, the current proposed Medicaid work requirement would impact the state’s poorest residents, with children.

A briefing was organized by a non profit group called “Catch Kids.”  They help provide free medical services for children in Lee County.  Citing a study from Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, opponents of the work requirement for Medicaid recipients say if parents with children don’t work, they could lose Medicaid coverage.  And if they work 20 hours a week, at a minimum wage job, they make too much to qualify for Medicaid in Mississippi.

Mississippi is seeking federal permission to require Medicaid recipients to work at least 20 hours a week before receiving health coverage.   Opponents believe there are too many pitfalls.

“Stress on the family will affect the children, so parents who are working and not able to get healthcare that will be a stressful thing,” said Dr. Ed Ivancic, a Tupelo pediatrician, who has many patients on Medicaid.

“I’m a big proponent of what we chose not to do and that”s Medicaid expansion in this state, there are a lot of folks falling through the cracks, not able to afford health insurance and they’re working,” said Pastor Charles Penson.

But those who favor the work requirement say it’s not mean spirited to encourage those who can work to not only find a job, but hopefully a long term career, where they have access to private health insurance.

“People don’t realize Medicaid is a transitional medical help for those able bodied,  It;s not meant to be a permanent thing for them,” said Rep. Randy Boyd, a Republican lawmaker from Mantachie.

Representative Boyd says the Medicaid rolls need to be reviewed, so those who aren’t eligible are removed.

“They’re taking away the benefits from those who are eligible,” he said.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must approve Mississippi’s request before a work requirement program takes effect.

Even if the work requirement is approved, it will take one year to go into effect.