By Whitney Downard
Indiana Capital Chronicle
The Republican supermajority voting bloc in the Indiana House approved Medicaid work requirements on Tuesday, though such a program change will require federal approval before it can go into effect.
It moved on a 66-28 vote, mostly along party lines.
The sponsoring Republican, Rep. Brad Barrett, of Richmond, pointed to funding concerns for the state’s fastest-growing expenditure, saying limiting enrollment would preserve the government insurance option for the neediest.
He acknowledged the outpouring of personal stories in committee, calling it a “perfect storm” between expiring COVID-era enrollment protections, a federal court ruling and state costs.
“We’re really forced to do something this legislative session,” Barrett said.
Under Senate Bill 2, those enrolled in the Healthy Indiana Plan — which covers low- to moderate-income Hoosiers between the ages of 19 and 64 — will need to either work or volunteer for 20 hours each week, with several exceptions for caregivers, disabled beneficiaries and more.
That group is essentially the expansion population authorized by the legislature in 2015.
The bill also moves toward retroactive eligibility, rather than presumptive eligibility, and restricts the advertising of Medicaid services.
Democrats decried adding an additional administrative burden on the Family and Social Services Administration by increasing eligibility checks from annually to quarterly.
“I don’t know how many of you have actually been on Medicaid. I don’t know how many of you have actually gone through a Medicaid redetermination process. I don’t know how many of you have been in fear of losing your health insurance,” said Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis. “That is what we’re talking about here. It’s not that we are forced to do something. We are forced to make sure that we are ensuring that the Hoosiers in our state are protected.”
She pointed to a forecasting error that created a nearly $1 billion shortfall in the Medicaid program, saying the state should shoulder that expense rather than curbing services for Hoosiers.
“At the end of the day, we’re going to pay for these services. Either we pay because the people need services and they’ll be going to the emergency room. Or we’re going to be paying less because we are providing preventative services to people on the front end,” said Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis.
Just one lawmaker crossed over to vote against their caucus: Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, a Democrat from Jeffersonville. Only Barrett spoke in support of the bill’s Medicaid work requirements, saying action was needed to maintain the program’s stability.
“(In committee), we heard of people that were just thrilled with the benefits they receive in this space. We’re simply looking to make sure that those that need the services, get the services,” Barrett said.
Due to several House amendments — including one to omit a numerical cap — the Senate must concur, or agree, with the latest version before it can go before Gov. Mike Braun for a signature.
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