DES MOINES, Iowa — On Tuesday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds instructed Health and Human Services to request a federal waiver to allow the state to implement Medicaid work requirements.
According to the governor’s office, the waiver follows legislation that’s currently moving through the statehouse. That legislation requires those receiving Medicaid benefits to work a minimum of 80 hours a month to continue receiving benefits. The governor’s office said that some would be exempted from the work requirements, including those under 19 years old and over 64 years old, those who have a disability, and others.
Northern Lights visible in Iowa Tuesday night
The purpose of the work requirements is to help people take on an active role in their health and to ensure that Medicaid is there for those who need it most, according to the governor’s office.
“It has always been a priority of mine to make sure our government programs reflect a culture of work. It is common sense and good policy,” Reynolds said in a statement. “If you are an able-bodied adult who can work, you should work. We need to return Medicaid back to its core purpose — to provide coverage to the people who truly need it.”…