Tuesday, March 6, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today directed the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to develop a work requirement in the state’s Medicaid program.
The governor’s executive order directs the Health Care Authority, which manages Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, to file any federal waivers and state plan amendments within six months to the governor and the Legislature.
Fallin said the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance in January for states seeking to further the objectives of the Medicaid program by promoting work.
“We in Oklahoma should require people who receive Medicaid assistance to work, if they are able,” said Fallin. “A core objective of the Medicaid program is to help low-income families and individuals attain capability for independence. Work requirements in other welfare programs have helped move individuals from welfare to work.”
CMS has approved proposals from three other states that promote work for Medicaid recipients - Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas.
The governor suggested exemptions from the proposed work requirement for certain Medicaid recipients. They include: