Re: “Work requirements threaten a critical health care system” (Might 28, Opinion):
The outcomes of Medicaid work necessities are clear — extra individuals will lose their medical insurance. My staff, which helps sufferers discover and enroll in insurance coverage, has discovered that having medical insurance permits our sufferers to safe and keep employment. Jeopardizing their medical insurance additionally jeopardizes their employment.
In Washington state roughly 95% of Medicaid grownup enrollees are both working, sick/disabled, a caretaker or in class. Including pink tape and administrative hurdles will not be going to enhance that share. Think about should you needed to renew your driver’s license a number of occasions a yr. Now think about you’re a father or mother working two jobs to help your youngsters with no spare time to fill out burdensome paperwork frequently. Mother and father can be punished not for failing to work, however for not with the ability to navigate the month-to-month reporting guidelines.
Medicaid works for our sufferers, our well being care system and our communities. Work reporting necessities undercut entry to care, which threatens households’ well being and the well being of our economic system.
Jesús Bervis, eligibility supervisor, Neighborcare Well being, Seattle
