Arkansas will start the soft launch of new Medicaid work requirements on Wednesday, marking the first phase of a program that will require many adults enrolled in the state’s ARHOME Medicaid program to work, attend school, or volunteer for at least 80 hours each month beginning January 1, 2027.
Soft Launch Details
State officials said the rollout is designed to test the system and educate recipients before the requirements take effect. During this soft launch period, between July and the end of the year, there are no penalties for clients.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services will use existing data sources to determine whether recipients appear to meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption. Recipients will receive notices by mail or electronically explaining their status and any next steps.
Previous Experience
Arkansas previously implemented Medicaid work requirements in 2018 under a federal waiver. However, the policy was later blocked in federal court. According to state data from February 2019, from August 2018 through December 2018, 18,164 people lost Medicaid coverage due to not meeting the requirement.
Trevor Townsend, managing attorney of the Economic Justice Practice Group at Legal Aid of Arkansas, said beginning with a soft rollout should help identify problems before the requirements are enforced.
Brian Marsh, president and CEO of Goodwill Arkansas, said the nonprofit offers workforce training, career coaching, and tuition-free adult high school programs for adults who may need help meeting the new requirements.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
