Medicaid eligibility and work requirements face major changes under HR 1

New federal policies under the HR 1 law are set to implement significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and work requirements across the United States. Starting October 1, changes to the public charge rule and Medicaid eligibility will affect many immigrants in states like Connecticut, potentially disqualifying those who currently qualify for HUSKY Health.

Additionally, work requirements for certain Medicaid beneficiaries are scheduled to begin in January. While federal regulations allow for self-attestation regarding medical frailty for the first year, at least six Republican-led states are already requiring immediate documentation. This move is being pushed by groups like the Foundation for Government Accountability to prevent enrollment costs from rising.

Conversely, Democrats in 25 states are filing lawsuits, arguing the rules are overly harsh. The Congressional Budget Office estimates these changes could save the federal government $887 billion over the next decade but may result in 7.5 million fewer people having health insurance.