Summary
Michigan implemented work requirements for Medicaid, impacting many people's health insurance. Robert Gordon, who helped set up the system, warns that similar requirements in other states could cause millions to lose coverage. The rule requires Medicaid recipients to prove they are working, volunteering, or getting job training to maintain insurance.
Key Facts
- Michigan introduced work requirements for Medicaid in January 2020.
- The requirements were part of a law passed by the state when Republicans led, and later implemented by Democrats.
- Robert Gordon, then Michigan’s health director, spent $30 million trying to avoid people losing coverage.
- Despite efforts, estimates suggested 80,000 to 100,000 people in Michigan might lose their insurance.
- A new federal law requires 40 states and D.C. to implement similar Medicaid work requirements.
- These rules may cause 4.8 million people to lose insurance by 2034.
- Affected individuals need to prove 80 hours of work, volunteering, or job training each month to keep coverage.
- The law will impact about 18 million people when fully implemented by 2027.
