A new hurdle for poor Americans, approved by the House, would cause millions to lose coverage, including many who are working but can’t meet reporting rules.The New York Times reports that the House has approved a new hurdle for poor Americans, which could result in millions losing their health coverage. This includes many who are working but unable to meet the reporting rules.
The policy, which has been sought by House Republicans for a decade, requires Medicaid recipients to provide proof of employment in order to receive health insurance. Despite multiple attempts, Republicans have been unsuccessful in enacting such rules, with proposed laws failing to pass and state-level experiments being blocked in court.
The work requirement in the recently passed House bill is the strictest version proposed by Republicans in Congress. The reporting requirements are more stringent than in previous bills, making it easier to lose benefits and harder to re-enroll. Additionally, it would apply to a larger group of Medicaid recipients, including those previously deemed too old to require such requirements.
While President Trump has expressed support for the legislation, it still needs to pass the Senate, where some Republican members have reservations about the large Medicaid cuts. Republican leadership has framed the policy as a way to combat “waste, fraud, and abuse,” while President Trump has promised that no one will lose health insurance under the legislation. However, experts warn that it could leave millions uninsured.
While House Republicans have fiercely debated other Medicaid cuts, such as reducing funding for the Obamacare expansion, they have all embraced work requirements. This policy is also popular with the public, with recent polling showing that 60% of Americans and even 47% of Democrats support the idea.
Source:Read More