Missouri officials are preparing to upgrade the state’s system for verifying whether people are eligible for MO HealthNet, the state’s Medicaid program, ahead of new federal work requirements set to take effect at the end of the year.
The Missouri Department of Social Services, which administers the program to approximately 1.3 million people statewide, will need to step up its verification efforts at the end of this year. That’s when new federal rules will require many on the program to prove they work, volunteer or participate in other “community engagement” activities to maintain their benefits.
To continue receiving Medicaid benefits, “individuals must participate in and report 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, such as work, education, or approved volunteer service,” agency spokeswoman Baylee Watts said in an email. “Compliance must be demonstrated the month prior to application.”…