CMS Issues Guidance Allowing Work Requirements in Medicaid

On January 11, 2018, CMS released guidance supporting states seeking to condition Medicaid eligibility on a beneficiary’s participation in a community engagement, skill training, education, or job search initiative. CMS cited state requests for greater flexibility and helping beneficiaries achieve “self-sufficiency” as the basis for this new approach. The agency specified that these requirements would not be applicable for beneficiaries who are disabled, elderly, children, or pregnant.