Federal Government Ending Indiana's Medicaid Work Requirements

The Biden administration is officially ending the work requirements in Indiana’s Medicaid program.

The requirements had not been in effect for months due to a federal lawsuit.

Indiana got approval for its work requirements – known as Gateway to Work – from the Trump administration in 2017. It would have required some Hoosiers using the low-income health care program HIP 2.0 to work at least 20 hours a week to continue receiving benefits.

But a lawsuit prompted Indiana to suspend the work requirements in 2019. And now, after a new review by the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is revoking its approval.

In a letter to state officials, CMS Director Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said the work requirements do not “promote the objectives of the Medicaid statute.” And she expressed concern that the requirements will lead to “substantial” loss of coverage for Hoosiers.

The state can appeal the decision.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

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