The state made a similar request last year and was denied, but officials are hopeful the new administration will be more receptive to the idea. Outlets report on Medicaid news out of Mississippi and Oregon, as well.
The Hill:
Arizona Seeks To Impose Medicaid Work Requirements
Arizona is seeking to impose work requirements on many of its Medicaid beneficiaries under a new waiver submitted to the Trump administration this week. The waiver would require able-bodied adults between the ages of 19 and 55 — with certain exemptions — to work, attend school or go to employment support and development programs for at least 20 hours a week. (Weixel, 12/20)
Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger:
Medicaid Turnover: Gov. Bryant Appoints Deputy Chief Of Staff Interim Director
Gov. Phil Bryant has chosen a temporary Medicaid director replacement following David Dzielak’s resignation last Friday. Bryant’s deputy chief of staff and Eupora native Drew Snyder will lead the largest agency in Mississippi as an interim. Snyder, who has a law background, is also Bryant’s policy director and counsel. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid has a federal budget larger than the entire state budget and provides health insurance to 760,000 Mississippians. (Wolfe, 12/20)
The Oregonian:
Oregon’s Second Largest Medicaid Carrier Will Shut Down After Impasse With The State
Oregon’s second largest Medicaid carrier will shut down, after the company and state officials failed to agree on a contract for 2018. The state must now transfer more than 100,000 children and adults in the Portland area who are currently served by FamilyCare to other Medicaid administrators. Earlier Wednesday, the Oregon Health Authority gave the company just over 24 hours to decide whether to accept the state’s 2018 contract proposal. (Borrud and Harbarger, 12/20)
This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.