Governor Submits Waiver for Medicaid Work Requirements

Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday directed Iowa Health and Human Services to submit a waiver to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to establish work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients. 

The waiver reflects pending Iowa House and Senate legislation, which includes the following exemptions in addition to other individually-approved exemptions:  

• A person under 19 years old  
• A person who is over 64 years old  
• A person who is disabled  
• A person who is medically frail or medically exempt under Medicaid  
• A caretaker of a dependent child under six years old  
• A woman with a high-risk pregnancy  
• A person receiving unemployment benefits  
• A person participating in substance use disorder treatment

Iowans who do not meet the new requirements will be given time to do so; those who choose not to will no longer be eligible for Medicaid coverage.

The proposed change aims to help members take an active role in their health and well-being, while preserving Medicaid for those who need it most. Governor Reynolds’ Office says today approximately 171,000 able-bodied adults are enrolled in Iowa’s Medicaid program through the Iowa Health and Wellness plan. Nearly 100,000 of those members report no income.  

Pursuant to CMS requirements, Iowa HHS will launch a 30-day public comment period and host two public hearings to gather input from Iowans.