Medicaid Work Rule Leaves Homeless People in the Cold
Conservatives who have long pushed for Medicaid work requirements often said vulnerable people would get a pass. But the federal government’s list of exemptions left off homeless people.
Tywon Pugh, a 46-year-old homeless man from Missoula, Montana, has been struggling with seizures and alcohol addiction since his wife's death last year. Medicaid provides crucial support for his prescription medications, but the government-imposed work requirements create significant challenges for him. These new rules, implemented in spring, require Medicaid recipients to prove they are working, volunteering, or attending school to maintain their coverage.
Homelessness is not considered a medical condition and therefore does not automatically exempt Pugh from these requirements. Despite his dire situation, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has not extended any exemptions to homeless individuals. As a result, Pugh is worried about losing his Medicaid coverage and being unable to secure employment, fearing the loss of his essential health benefits.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Medicaid work rule leaves homeless people in the cold medicalxpress.com
