A new federal megabill imposes Medicaid work requirements that could deeply affect a rural Louisiana district where over one-third of residents are enrolled in Medicaid, per KFF. Thousands of low-income residents could lose coverage and federally qualified health centers could face closure if Medicaid reimbursement revenue declines. Statewide, more than 200,000 Louisianans could lose coverage. Adults ages 19 to 55 will need to document volunteering, job training, or at least 80 hours of work per month beginning in 2027. Some beneficiaries with occasional work worry about reporting hours. Homeless residents reliant on Medicaid fear losing access to prescriptions, medical and dental care.
Constituent concerns Some people who receive Medicaid now worry that even though they have occasional work, they may face challenges reporting their hours to meet the new work requirements. Under the law, adults ages 19 to 55 will be required to prove they are volunteering, receiving job training or working at least 80 hours each month to maintain coverage.
Jamie Collins is one of Speaker Johnson's constituents who worries he won't be able to meet the work requirements set to start in 2027. He recalls painting Johnson's house in 2021. At the time, Johnson was a rising congressman from northwest Louisiana. Collins has been out of work since last November and is now sleeping on the streets of Shreveport-Bossier City, the largest metropolitan area in Johnson's district. He depends on Medicaid for prescriptions, doctor visits and dental care.
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