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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2018
Governor Mary Fallin Directs Agency to Incorporate Work Requirement for Eligible State Medicaid Recipients
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary
Fallin today directed the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to develop a work
requirement in the state’s Medicaid program.
The governor’s executive
order directs the Health Care Authority, which manages Oklahoma’s Medicaid
program, to file any federal waivers and state plan amendments within six
months to the governor and the Legislature.
Fallin said the federal Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance in January for states
seeking to further the objectives of the Medicaid program by promoting work.
“We in Oklahoma should require people who receive Medicaid
assistance to work, if they are able,” said Fallin. “A core objective of the
Medicaid program is to help low-income families and individuals attain
capability for independence. Work requirements in other welfare programs have
helped move individuals from welfare to work.”
CMS has approved proposals from three other states
that promote work for Medicaid recipients - Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas.
The governor suggested exemptions from the proposed work
requirement for certain Medicaid recipients. They include:
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Those
under the age of 19 and over the age of 64.
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Those
medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment.
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Those
who are pregnant.
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A
parent or caretaker responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age
of 6.
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A
parent or caretaker personally providing the care for a dependent child with
serious medical conditions or with a disability.
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Those
receiving unemployment compensation and complying with work requirements that
are part of the federal-state unemployment compensation system.
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Those
participating in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation
program.
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Web: www.governor.ok.gov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GovernorMaryFallin
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GovMaryFallin
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