States Ranked by Potential Coverage Losses under Medicaid Work Requirements

From Becker’s Hospital Review

California is projected to experience the largest potential losses in Medicaid coverage if federal work requirements are enacted, according to an analysis released by the Urban Institute on April 14.

Approximately five million adults across the country could lose Medicaid coverage next year under a possible federal mandate requiring adults aged 19 to 55 in Medicaid expansion states to work. At least 10,000 adults in nearly every expansion state could lose coverage, with the largest losses occurring in the most populous states.

These coverage reductions are likely to stem from a lack of awareness or confusion about the new policy, rather than from enrollees failing to work. The extent of the losses could also vary depending on the final policy and how each state implements the work requirements.

The study examined a proposal that would withhold federal funds for adult Medicaid enrollees in expansion states who do not report working at least 80 hours per month, or who do not meet exemption criteria such as being a student, caregiver, or having a disability. Similar legislation has been proposed in several states this year.

States ranked by potential coverage losses under Medicaid work requirements: