Democrats in 25 states sue Trump administration over new Medicaid rules
Kyiv • UNN
Democrats from 25 states and the District of Columbia challenge new employment requirements for Medicaid participants. The plaintiffs argue that the rules contradict the law and could lead to loss of insurance coverage.
Democrats in 25 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump, challenging new guidelines on employment requirements for participants in the Medicaid program. This was reported by the Associated Press, writes UNN.
Details
The lawsuit was filed by Democratic attorneys general and governors. They argue that the interim final rule, published earlier this month by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), contradicts a law passed last year and creates additional barriers for people eligible for government health insurance.
According to the plaintiffs, the new requirements, including a narrow interpretation of exceptions for people with serious illnesses, could lead to some Americans losing access to medical care. Additionally, states may face significant difficulties in implementing the new rules by the established deadline.
The additional administrative burden will lead to the loss or denial of insurance coverage for individuals eligible for Medicaid. People with disabilities, patients undergoing cancer treatment, or those battling another serious or complex illness should not risk losing the assistance that helps them maintain their health
The Trump administration previously stated that the new rules are intended to reduce inefficient use of public funds and preserve benefits for those who need them most. Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CMS have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Under the new rules, starting January 1, participants in the expanded Medicaid program aged 19 to 64 will be required to confirm that they are working or performing community service for at least 80 hours per month, or studying for at least half of that time. Exceptions are provided, among others, for people deemed medically unable to work, as well as for participants in addiction treatment programs.