Arkansas implemented Medicaid work requirements, a policy that could soon be
reintroduced
in federal safety net programs, in June 2018. The Arkansas policy required adults to work 20 hours a week, participate in “community engagement” activities, or qualify for an exemption to maintain coverage. By April 2019, when a federal judge halted the policy, more than 18,000 adults had lost coverage. In a 2019 update to previously published research, P4A researchers analyzed the consequences of this policy and found they led to coverage losses and increases in medical debt and did not increase employment.
Policies for Action anticipates releasing a new research funding opportunity in late spring 2023. This forthcoming call for proposals will seek to fund research investigating the relationship between preemption and racial equity. Applications from community-led or community-partnered research teams are encouraged.
Community corner
Call for proposals: Through its Health Equity Scholars for Action (HES4A) program, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
seeks to fund early career researchers with varied perspectives and backgrounds to help challenge bias, promote innovation, and lead the next generation of research scholars. HES4A provides funding, mentorship and coaching and a community of support to help advance academic careers. Apply by May 31, 2023.
During the pandemic, news coverage of food assistance became less stigmatizing. But, as the COVID emergency ends and hunger-related benefits expire under the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, will the stigma return? Recent research from Berkeley Media Studies Group and the Collaborative on Media and Messaging for Health and Social Policy,
with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, explores these questions. Learn more about the findings and strategic communication recommendations for advocates in a new blog post.
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