CMS Medicaid Work Requirement Rule Sparks Opposition from ME Action and Backing from Tax Reform Group

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim final rule that would impose work‑requirement conditions on Medicaid enrollees.

ME Action submitted a detailed public comment warning that the rule could intensify stigma for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long COVID, potentially leading to loss of coverage for millions of patients. The organization notes that 24 states have already sued CMS over the agency’s narrow definition of medical frailty.

In contrast, the policy group Americans for Tax Reform filed comments praising the rule, highlighting provisions such as a medical‑frailty impairment test, expanded community‑engagement options, and reliance on existing SNAP and TANF infrastructure. The group argues the rule will curb fraud, promote self‑sufficiency among able‑bodied adults and protect the overall Medicaid program.