DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 46 Original 2018 Regular Session Lance Harris
Abstract: Establishes participation in a work or community engagement activity as a condition of
Medicaid eligibility for certain able-bodied adult enrollees.
Proposed law provides legislative findings and a declaration concerning health effects associated
with productive work and community engagement.
Proposed law defines "able-bodied adult" as an adult without a disability who is 19 to 64 years of
age.
Proposed law establishes a work and community engagement initiative within the Medicaid program.
Requires participation in a work or community engagement activity specified in proposed law as a
condition of Medicaid eligibility for able-bodied adult enrollees without dependents. Provides for
duties of the secretary of the La. Department of Health (LDH) in administering the work and
community engagement initiative established by proposed law.
Proposed law stipulates that, subject to certain exemptions provided therein, no able-bodied adult
without a dependent shall be eligible for Medicaid benefits unless he meets one or more of the
following criteria:
(1)Is working 20 hours or more per week, averaged monthly.
(2)Is participating in and complying with the requirements of a work program for 20 hours or
more per week.
(3)Is volunteering for 20 hours or more per week.
(4)Is meeting any combination of working and participating in a work program for a total of 20
hours or more per week.
(5)Is participating and complying with the requirements of a workfare program.
Proposed law provides that the work and community engagement requirements created by proposed
law shall not apply to any individual if he or she meets any of the following criteria:
(1)Is medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment. (2)Is pregnant.
(3)Is a parent or caretaker responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age of one
year.
(4)Is a parent or caretaker personally providing care for a dependent child with a disability or
serious medical condition.
(5)Is receiving unemployment compensation and complying with applicable work requirements
of present law relative to employment security (R.S. 23:1471 et seq.).
(6)Is participating in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program.
Proposed law requires the secretary of LDH to prepare and submit to the federal Medicaid agency
on or before Jan. 1, 2019, the application necessary to institute the program provided for in proposed
law. Further requires the secretary to promulgate all rules and regulations in accordance with the
Administrative Procedure Act as are necessary to institute the program.
Proposed law provides that it shall be known as the "Medicaid Incentives for Work and Community
Engagement Law".
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 46:460.101-460.106)