New York City health officials are strategizing now on how to keep as many people as possible enrolled in Medicaid, before new work requirements for the public health insurance program take effect in January, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands without coverage.
The new city budget includes $3 million for the health department to hire community health workers to help people navigate the new federal work requirements and figure out if they qualify for one of many possible exemptions.
Health Commissioner Alister Martin said in an interview that discussions are also underway about other approaches to keeping people insured, such as creating volunteer opportunities in city government that would satisfy the federal requirements. At the health department, that could entail helping others avoid losing coverage, he said…