Medicaid work requirement urged by State Republicans

Legislation proposed by Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, would require the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to seek a federal waiver and implement a 30-hours-per-week work, training or education requirement for able-bodied Medicaid recipients in Michigan. But:

Public policy research shows that a majority of Medicaid recipients who can work, do work.
Over 680,000 low-income residents have enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program since its launch in 2014. The current program has helped reduce uncompensated medical care in the state by 50 percent.
Republican lawmakers argue that the bill will encourage people to work and that the current Medicaid program is out of control and will soon collapse. But they offer no evidence for these claims.
Experts predict that SB0897 would likely result in the loss of coverage for individuals while increasing costs administrative and oversight expenses. In total, this could cost the state up to $30 million.
See here, here, and here for more information.

What can we do to stop this?

Call your representative (obtain their contact information here). or these bill sponsors:

Script: Hello, my name is _____ and I’m a Michigan resident and voter. I strongly oppose Senate Bill 0897 that would require people on Medicaid to be working, training, or in school to receive their healthcare. This bill will result in Michiganders losing coverage. It will create more red tape for employers and doctors. And it will also cost our state between $20–$30 million in administration and oversight expenses. Medicaid is a health insurance program — not a jobs program. Michiganders have a right to health care. Please oppose SB 0897.

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