Connecticut House Bill HB05092

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

An Act Concerning A Federal Waiver To Compel Able-bodied Medicaid Recipients To Work Or Volunteer.

Impact

The bill's impact involves changes to Title 17b of the general statutes, specifically focused on the Commissioner of Social Services seeking a waiver from the federal government under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act. If successful, this state-level waiver process would allow Connecticut to implement work or volunteer requirements that align with federal guidelines for Medicaid. It could fundamentally change access to health care for many low-income individuals, requiring them to demonstrate active participation in the workforce or community involvement, which may not have been required previously.

Summary

House Bill 05092 seeks to amend existing statutes concerning Medicaid eligibility by mandating that able-bodied recipients must work or volunteer in order to receive or maintain their benefits. The proposal aims to encourage self-sufficiency among Medicaid recipients while potentially shifting the burden of care and support onto individuals rather than the state. The bill, introduced by Representative Piscopo, targets those who are deemed fully capable of contributing positively to the workforce or community, making this a significant policy change in the state's approach to health care benefits.

Contention

The proposition of requiring able-bodied individuals to work or volunteer raises concerns and debates on several fronts, including ethical implications, the effectiveness of such policies in reducing dependency, and practical issues in implementation. Critics argue that it could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, making it harder for those who may have caregiving responsibilities or other barriers to employment from receiving essential health care benefits. There is fear that it could lead to significant reductions in Medicaid enrollment among affected populations, thereby increasing health disparities in the state.