Gov. Matt Bevin said Monday that Kentucky’s new work requirements repurposes Medicaid for those who are truly in need, just as the program originally intended.
Mr. Bevin, Kentucky Republican, said Medicaid has expanded far beyond those who are unable to work and receive medical coverage through an employer, and now includes many people capable of making some contribution.
“It has since been expanded to people like you and I — able-bodied, working-age, without dependents needing us to be at home caring for them. It is for that latter group that we’re talking,” he explained.
The state’s new requirement will demand those eligible to now fulfill 80 hours of work a month to keep or retain coverage. This group will be limited to the new enrollees who gained coverage after Medicaid expanded under the previous governor.
“If you are not disabled, if you do not have a dependent to care for, you will be expected to something in exchange for that which is given to you by the people who are doing the very same things themselves,” Mr. Bevin explained.
The work required could range from education to community service to some form of employment or job training.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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