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Last week, the President signed H.R. 1, the Big, Beautiful Bill Act, into law making common-sense reforms to Medicaid and ensuring the program's long-term sustainability.
For weeks, misinformation has been spread about the actual reforms this legislation makes.
I write to you today to set the record straight.
FEAR: This legislation will result in hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians losing Medicaid coverage, even if they are working.
FACT: H.R. 1 implements a part-time work requirement for able-bodied adults, WITHOUT children who are choosing not to work. It requires these individuals to complete 80 hours per month--an average of 20 hours per week--working, volunteering, or pursuing an education to be eligible for benefits. If required participants satisfy this requirement, then they will receive benefits.
FEAR: Children, individuals with disabilities, and vulnerable Medicaid recipients will lose healthcare coverage because of this legislation.
FACT: No child, disabled individual, or senior will lose their Medicaid coverage. The populations exempted from work requirements are:
- Parents, guardians, and caretakers with children under the age of 14
- Individuals with a disability
- Veterans with a disability
- Individuals with a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder
- Individuals with a serious or complex medical condition
- Individuals meeting SNAP requirements
- Pregnant women and women entitled to postpartum coverage
- Individuals entitled to Medicare Part A or are enrolled in Medicaid Part B
- American Indians and Alaska Natives
FEAR: The rural hospital fund will not be sufficient in keeping rural hospitals open across Washington State.
FACT: H.R. 1 includes $10 billion per year for five years for a rural hospital fund that will go specifically to small, rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community mental health centers, opioid treatment centers, and more. $50 billion will help ensure rural communities maintain access to their hospitals and clinics. |
