Apr. 10, 2018
HARRISBURG – Citing concern that more than 50 percent of able-bodied Medical Assistance (MA) recipients do not work, Rep. Matthew Dowling’s (R-Fayette/Somerset) legislation to establish work requirements for the program was approved by the House Health Committee on Tuesday.
“This is an important step in reforming our Human Services system and to ensure that funds are directed to those residents who are truly in need. People who can work, should work,” said Dowling. “The bill is intended to promote better mental, physical and emotional health and aid to individuals and families to help them rise up out of poverty and achieve independence from government aid.”
Under the bill, able-bodied citizens enrolled in MA would either have to be employed or attending a job training program for 20 weeks or more, or complete 12 job training program-related activities in a month.
Dowling stressed there are exceptions built into the legislation. The exceptions are:
• An enrollee who is attending high school full time.
• Someone receiving temporary or long-term disability benefits.
• A resident who is under 20 years of age or those who are 65 and older.
• Pregnant women.
• Residents who receive SSI.
• An individual residing in a mental health or correctional institution.
• A resident experiencing a crisis, serious medical condition or temporary condition which prohibits employment, such as domestic violence or a substance abuse disorder.
• Those persons acting as a primary caregiver to a dependent under 6 years of age or is permanently disabled.
Statistics provided by the Department of Human Services (DHS) demonstrate the need for the legislation. According to DHS:
• The total number of MA enrollees classified as newly eligible under the federal Affordable Care Act: 785,244.
• Total number of Medical Assistance enrollees classified as newly eligible under the Affordable Care Act reporting $0 in earned income: 376,185.
• 48 percent of newly eligible Medical Assistance Recipients do not work.
• Total number of non-disabled Medical Assistance enrollees between the ages of 19 and 64: 965,410.
• Total number of non-disabled Medical Assistance enrollees between the ages of 19 and 64 reporting $0 in earned income: 495,719.
Dowling said DHS would apply to the federal government for approval of work requirements and, to ensure compliance, the legislation follows policy established by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this month. Work requirements are already in place for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance programs.
House Bill 2138 now goes to the House floor for consideration.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
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