Five reasons a Medicaid work requirement is not good for NC’s struggling families

Lawmakers in Congress and in North Carolina’s General Assembly are considering “work requirements” in Medicaid as part of an overall health care reform package. Evidence shows that denying medical care to sick, poor people because they lack a job is not a good idea. Too many families are one bad accident, lay-off, or catastrophe away from the brink. We need to guarantee that when people do hit hard times, they do not go without the basics, including medical care. That’s why state lawmakers need to strengthen, not weaken, Medicaid.

Last year in North Carolina, Medicaid offered health coverage to 1.9 million poor seniors, children, parents, and people with disabilities. A work requirement in Medicaid would bar eligible people from Medicaid coverage if they are unable to meet the mandate, likely making them uninsured. Rather than providing work opportunities, a work requirement would harm those least able to get and hold a job – while keeping others from improving their health and participating in the workforce.

Below are five reasons why an imposing work requirement is not a good policy idea in North Carolina.