A number of states have either imposed or are seeking to impose work requirements on their residents who are enrolled in Medicaid. Research shows these requirements, which compel people to regularly submit paperwork proving they are either working or seeking employment, can result in loss of health coverage for many. They can also harm the financial viability of hospitals and their communities, especially in rural areas of the U.S.
The fact sheets below examine the impact work requirements might have on hospitals’ revenues, uncompensated care costs, and operating margins for 16 states that either have work requirement waivers that have been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or are seeking approval.