CMS Approves Work Requirements in Kentucky Medicaid Program

On January 12, 2018, Kentucky became the first state to impose work requirements as a condition of Medicaid eligibility. The initiative, known as “Kentucky HEALTH,” applies to non-disabled adults beneficiaries ages 19 to 64 and exempts former foster care youth, pregnant women, primary caregivers of a dependent, beneficiaries considered medically frail or with an acute medical condition, and full time students. The community engagement requirement is 80 hours/month and may be completed through employment, education, job skills training, or community service. Those who do fail to comply with this requirement will have their eligibility suspended.