spot_imgspot_img

Resolution would let voters decide Medicaid expansion work requirement

spot_img

(The Center Square) – The South Dakota House of Representatives will consider a resolution to give voters a say in whether nondisabled Medicaid recipients should work.

Voters agreed to expand Medicaid in 2022 to nondisabled individuals between the ages of 18 and 64. The change allows individuals and families who make up to 138% of the federal poverty level to receive the health care plan.

Senate Joint Resolution 501 does not authorize the expansion but lets voters decide, said Rep. Tony Venhuizen, R-Sioux Falls, one of the prime sponsors.

“We’re honoring the will of the voters because we are going back to the voters and asking what I view as a clarifying question, not to reverse their decision from last time but to clarify on a particular detail,” Venhuizen told the Senate State Affairs Committee this week. “Is this something we should be able to consider?”

The work requirement could only be imposed if the federal government allows it and would only affect people deemed medically fit to work. Exceptions would include parents caring for young children or someone who has cancer and is unable to work, Venhuizen said.

Matt Althoff, secretary of the Department of Social Services, said a work requirement is already in place for other programs.

Several business organizations testified in favor of the bill, citing worker shortages.

“When I talk to small businesses across the state and ask what their challenges are, almost every one of them says workforce,” said Jason Glodt, state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses. “They have a difficult time finding employees. So anything you can do to help workforce development is certainly welcome.”

Kim Malsam-Rysdon, vice president of public policy of Avera Health and former secretary of health under Gov. Kristi Noem, said her organization understands workforce concerns. It employs 20,000. Work requirements do not work, she said. A study of Arkansas’ work requirement published in “Health Affairs” found no evidence that the policy succeeded, Malsam-Rysdon said.

“Not surprisingly what we did find in Arkansas is that people lost their coverage,” Malsam-Rysdon told the Senate State Affairs Committee. “They were not able to comply with the burdensome administrative requirements that often come with these kinds of things that are tied to government programs. So they went without health care which is exactly why voters voted to extend Medicaid to low-income individuals.”

The Senate approved the resolution 28-4 on Thursday. If approved by the House and signed by Noem, the referendum will appear on the November ballot.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

The Melanin Effect: The Ignorance That Puts Millions Of Americans In Danger

Scientific research is becoming more inclusive, but one area...

The Truth About PCOS: Birth Control, Infertility, And Gaps In Research

Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects at least one in ten...

Appeals Court upholds TikTok sale or ban law

A federal appeals court upheld the law ordering China-based...

Spokane props up homeless dashboard showing how many leave shelter, exit services

(The Center Square) – Spokane launched a new homelessness...

Reports agree: Louisiana faces unfunded liabilities in pension system

(The Center Square) — Separate studies have come to...

Sonya Massey’s family urges Illinois courts to keep accused killer jailed pretrial

(The Center Square) – Family and supporters of Sonya...

Hunter Biden pardon may pave the way for Trump pardons

President Joe Biden’s controversial pardon of his son Hunter...

More like this
Related

The Melanin Effect: The Ignorance That Puts Millions Of Americans In Danger

Scientific research is becoming more inclusive, but one area...

The Truth About PCOS: Birth Control, Infertility, And Gaps In Research

Polycystic ovarian syndrome affects at least one in ten...

Report: average American household has more than $10,000 in credit card debt

A new study of Americans credit card debt finds...

Appeals Court upholds TikTok sale or ban law

A federal appeals court upheld the law ordering China-based...