Medicaid Work Requirements: States Face Tech Challenges

0:00On this March 1st in Birmingham, here's what is making headlines. Starting January 1st, millions of lower income adults on Medicaid will need to prove they are working, volunteering, or taking classes to keep there. Coverage This applies to people ages 19 through 64, without young kids in four-fifths of states. They must log at least 80 hours a month, or enroll half-time in school, with checks every six months instead of yearly. States face a huge challenge upgrading their outdated computer systems to handle these rules. Each one runs its own setup, so changes are custom and tough. The first half of $200 million in federal aid is already flowing, but total costs for tech and staff could top $1 billion. Nationwide, split between federal and state funds. These changes come from last year's big tax cut law, aimed at trimming government spending. Officials projected will save the federal government $388 billion over 10 years, though about 6 million people could, lose insurance.

1:04States are rushing to hire private contractors for the fixes, with at least 10 companies offering deals. Meanwhile, specific states are bracing for big bills. Maryland expects over $32 million, Kentucky, more than $46 million, and Colorado, over $51 million. Arizona figures $65 million plus 150 extra staff. Some, like Arkansas, say costs might stay low thanks to past work. Experts warn of risks, pointing to Georgia's program where admin costs hit $54 million from 2021 to early 20. 25. Double the medical aid spend. Analysts fear heavy spending on complex systems could block people from needed care, much like in Arkansas, where thousands lost coverage before courts. Step in. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. Some chase piece. I put my head in it. S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com.