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Washington, DC – The Arc released the following statement in response to the federal court ruling against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ approval of Medicaid waiver projects in Kentucky and Arkansas that include work requirements.
“We are glad that this ruling reaffirms what Medicaid is all about – health care for those who qualify, and access to services for millions of Americans with disabilities. Cutting off Medicaid won’t help anyone work. It’s a bad policy idea that just keeps coming back, and we encourage the Administration and leaders in the states considering work requirements to abandon it once and for all.
“Imposing work requirements on Medicaid recipients isn’t going to help anyone become more self-sufficient. If anything, it will do the exact opposite. Many people with serious health conditions require access to health care services to treat those health conditions and to maintain their health and function. Furthermore, Medicaid specifically covers services, such as attendant care, that are critical to enable people with significant disabilities to have basic needs met, to get to and from work, and to do their jobs. Requiring individuals to prove each month that they meet complicated work rules, or are exempt, just makes it harder for people to qualify for these programs and access the services they need to be employed. The policy serves no purpose other than to remove people from the Medicaid roles,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.