Kentucky hopes website will track Medicaid work requirements

AP-Associated Press via ABC ^ | 2-9-2018 | ADAM BEAM

[spintreebob]

Kentucky became the first state with a work requirement for Medicaid, and now it has to do something arguably more daring: Build a mobile-friendly website that works. The state will require people who get taxpayer-funded health insurance to work or volunteer.

It's the kind of government program that often draws disdain from small-government Republicans, but GOP Gov. Matt Bevin has embraced it as "a more efficient use of resources." Government-run websites are notorious for glitches. Kentucky had problems in 2016 when "Benefind" — meant to consolidate all assistance programs — caused chaos. Kentucky officials say this time will be different.

Others worry the state doesn't understand how people use smartphones. Cara Stewart, of Kentucky Equal Justice Center, is worried they will have trouble... "I cannot figure out how this is purporting to make people healthier or a good use of resources," she said. Meier said the state has had no problems with Deloitte.

an 18-year-old high school senior said she will be Medicaid-eligible when she graduates this spring. She is learning about work requirements, she's worried she will lose her coverage. "I'm definitely going to find a job," she said. "It's just the deadline thing scares me."

It's unclear how much the technology will cost to build and maintain. Bevin first estimated it would save more than $300 million. But Monday, Bevin told reporters the program "may arguably cost more."

the state budgeted $170 million to implement the Medicaid waiver, the state would pay $17.5 million. The federal government the rest.

In addition to tracking hours, the website will let companies post job openings and nonprofit groups list volunteering options.

There are exemptions to the work requirement, including pregnant women.

[spintreebob]

18-year-old high school senior said she will be Medicaid-eligible when she graduates this spring. She is learning about the work requirements, and said she's worried she will miss a step and lose her coverage.

A person graduating high school and the first thing she thinks of is her welfare coverage? If she had a chronic illness I would understand. But every indication is that she is quite normal and typical of what our public education system is producing.

exemptions ... pregnant women Great. Get pregnant right out of High School and you don't have to work.

[trebb]

Stealing funds from those who really can’t earn their own way due to age/disabilities - not to mention the American taxpayer.

[libertylover]

an 18-year-old high school senior said she will be Medicaid-eligible when she graduates this spring. She is learning about work requirements, she's worried she will lose her coverage. "I'm definitely going to find a job," she said.

It's working already!

[libertylover]

I hope it has the desired effect of getting some of the lazy to work.
On the other hand, my wife’s niece is 5’3” 300 lbs. and her husband is 6’0” 400-450 lbs. They don’t do anything and I think they’re to the point where they can’t do anything.