FGA Applauds Trump Administration’s Appeal of Medicaid Work Requirements Ruling
- BY FGA
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Trump administration appealed the recent ruling by a federal judge that blocked Medicaid work requirements in Kentucky and Arkansas. The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) commends the Trump administration for its commitment to a Medicaid program that promotes economic mobility and serves the truly needy.
The number of able-bodied adults dependent on Medicaid has quadrupled since 2000, the majority of whom report no income. Work requirements have proven to be an effective way to lift people from dependency and increase incomes in other welfare programs.
“HHS Secretary Alex Azar, CMS Administrator Seema Verma, and their agencies should be applauded for their commitment to promoting independence and self-sufficiency within the Medicaid program. The ruling by the federal judge not only ignored existing case law and misstated the purpose of the Medicaid program, but it stood in direct opposition with the will of Arkansans and Kentuckians who support Medicaid work requirements,” said Kristina Rasmussen, vice president of federal affairs at FGA. “This is the first step in restoring Medicaid to its original intent as a temporary safety-net for the truly needy, but Arkansas, Kentucky, and other states should continue to move forward with Medicaid work requirements, even while the appeal process is underway.”
More information about the recent Medicaid work requirements ruling can be viewed here. Further resources on Medicaid work requirements, including an FAQ and myths. vs. reality document, can be found here.
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The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
