The bill removing that requirement was signed into law Jan. 21 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after passing in the House and Senate in December along party lines, with Democrats in favor. The law will take effect April 2 .
“The repeal of the burdensome work requirements provision is a win for Michiganders who cannot afford commercial health insurance,” said bill sponsor state Rep. Julie Rogers , D- Kalamazoo . “Medicaid is health care, period, and was never intended to be a jobs program. Timely access to affordable medical care, including preventative screenings, prioritizes the wellbeing of our communities, saves our state money and avoids costly emergency room visits.”
The work requirements had mandated that able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid under the Healthy Michigan Plan complete 20 hours per week, or 80 hours per month, of “workforce engagement,” such as working or going to school.
Although the requirement hasn’t been in effect since a federal judge ruled it illegal in 2020, Republicans had hoped the Supreme Court would overturn the ruling and allow the work requirements to be reinstated.
The work requirements were passed by Republican lawmakers in 2018 under former Gov. Rick Snyder . It was only in effect for a few months before the federal ruling struck it down.
Related: Michigan spent millions on implementing Medicaid work rules just ruled illegal
Some Republicans argued that those receiving public assistance should be required to work. State Rep. Greg Markkanen , R- Hancock , previously said that while most do work, some need an “extra push” provided by the requirements.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services , there are about 711,000 Healthy Michigan Plan recipients around the state. The plan is for people ages 19 to 64 years with a household income below 133% of the federal poverty guideline.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services , there are about 711,000 Healthy Michigan Plan recipients around the state.
“Given recent changes in federal leadership, this will help beneficiaries, who cannot work, keep their benefits and care,” Rogers said. “New parents and other marginalized groups will be able to rest easier knowing that Michigan takes their safety — both physical and mental — as well as the safety of their newborn seriously.”
Pregnant mothers, people with disabilities, caretakers of disabled dependents, caretakers of children under age 6, and individuals who have a medical condition that results in a work limitation were all exempt from the work requirements.
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