Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced plans to impose work requirements on some Medicaid recipients in an effort to expand restrictions that were previously blocked by the courts. The proposed requirements would apply to able-bodied adults on both traditional Medicaid and the state's expansion program.
More than 18,000 people lost coverage when Arkansas first implemented work requirements in 2018, which were later halted by federal courts and the Biden administration. Governor Sanders expressed optimism about the new administration's support for such requirements, citing a willingness to collaborate with states on policy changes.
Several other Republican governors, including those in Iowa and South Carolina, are also considering similar mandates for Medicaid recipients. However, advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of work requirements on low-income adults, arguing that such policies could create additional barriers to accessing healthcare.
While Georgia is currently the only state with work requirements for some Medicaid recipients, other states like Idaho are exploring cuts to their Medicaid programs. In contrast, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is advocating for Medicaid expansion, although Republican leaders are expected to oppose the proposal.
Despite the push for work requirements, Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of maintaining Arkansas' Medicaid expansion, which has provided coverage to over 200,000 individuals. She acknowledged the challenges of rolling back the expansion at this stage, highlighting the program's significance for the state's residents.
