To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals under the Medicaid program.

# HR 1279 Summary: Medicaid Work Requirements **What the Bill Would Do** HR 1279 would require most Medicaid recipients between ages 18 and 65 to work, perform community service, or participate in job training programs for at least 80 hours per month. Adults who don't meet this requirement for three or more months in a year would lose their Medicaid coverage and federal funding would no longer support their benefits. The goal is to tie Medicaid eligibility to work participation. **Who It Affects and Key Exceptions** The bill would primarily impact working-age adults on Medicaid. However, it includes exemptions for people who are pregnant, disabled, caring for children or incapacitated individuals, already meeting work requirements through other programs, in drug/alcohol treatment, or enrolled in school at least half-time.

States would have flexibility in how they enforce the requirements and determine who qualifies for exemptions. **Current Status** As of now, HR 1279 is in committee and has not been voted on by Congress. The bill was introduced by Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) in the 119th Congress. Work requirements for Medicaid have been debated for years, with supporters arguing they encourage self-sufficiency and critics concerned about people losing health coverage.