Connecticut House Bill HB06896

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Certain Able-bodied Medicaid Recipients To Work Or Volunteer Their Services.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will likely have significant implications for Medicaid recipients in the state, particularly those who are categorically able-bodied and without dependents. The requirement for recipients to either work or volunteer could also lead to a decrease in the number of individuals qualifying for Medicaid, should they fail to meet the work or volunteer criteria. This could potentially result in cost savings for the state while also impacting the health and well-being of those who lose coverage.

Summary

House Bill 06896, introduced by Representative Pavalock-D'Amato, seeks to amend Title 17b of the general statutes to implement a work or volunteer requirement for certain able-bodied Medicaid recipients who do not have dependents. The bill is designed to foster a sense of employment and voluntarism among individuals receiving Medicaid benefits. By doing so, it aims to encourage participation in work or volunteer activities as a condition for maintaining these benefits.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding HB 06896 are likely to revolve around concerns about the fairness and practicality of imposing work requirements on Medicaid recipients. Critics argue that such a requirement may disproportionately affect low-income individuals who may face barriers to employment, such as lack of access to transportation, childcare, or adequate job training. There is also concern that the bill could be seen as punitive, potentially pushing vulnerable individuals further into poverty instead of providing the necessary support for their well-being.