The Joint Finance Committee on May 25 approved a proposal — with some changes — in Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s two-year budget that would require childless adult Medicaid beneficiaries to either work or undergo job training for a minimum of 80 hours per month, according to the report. Those recipients would also be required to take drug tests.
Lawmakers approved Gov. Walker’s request earlier this month for a federal waiver for its Medicaid program to require childless adult enrollees to work to maintain eligibility for coverage. However, the request could not be enacted without approval from the JFC.
The JFC approved the plan but modified his proposal, which initially would have required parents who receive food stamps through FoodShare to work and undergo drug testing, according to the report. Gov. Walker’s proposal to mandate drug testing for childless adults receiving food stamps won’t take effect unless it gains federal approval.
“The governor’s initiatives have been to help people move from dependence to independence. We’re going to support that initiative and that concept, except we do believe some of the ideas need further vetting,” said Joint Finance co-chair Rep. John Nygren, R, according to the report.
Read the full report here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.