CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Health care recipients under New Hampshire’s Medicaid expansion plan won’t have to work 30 hours per week to keep their benefits after the federal government recently rejected the requirement in the plan.
Roughly 50,000 low-income state residents making up to $15,900 a year receive health insurance under the plan.
Republicans added the work requirement this year, calling it a measure aimed at promoting “personal responsibility.” The 30-hour work requirement also was tied to job training, community service, and educational programs.
Federal officials also rejected a clause that would’ve required any hospital serving Medicaid recipients to also serve veterans.
The rejection of the work requirement doesn’t kill the whole program. But it will end in December 2018 if state lawmakers don’t vote to renew it. Its fate is uncertain now that Republicans control both Washington and the New Hampshire State House.
President-elect Donald Trump hopes to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which authorizes Medicaid expansion.
Governor-elect Chris Sununu is open to maintaining the program but wants a modified one to fit New Hampshire’s needs. Republican state lawmakers are likely to keep fighting for a work requirement if the program continues.
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