Federal law requires some Medicaid members to take part in work requirements or community engagement activities to keep their Medicaid coverage. This change will not affect most Louisiana Medicaid members.
Work requirements or community engagement activities include work, work programs, education and volunteering/community service.
The law applies to Medicaid members aged 19 to 64. If members do not have young children or serious medical conditions, they need to work, volunteer or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours each month, earning at least $580 a month, or go to school at least half- or part-time. A mix of approved work or community engagement activities can count as long as the member completes 80 hours a month in the same month.
Who is exempt from these changes?
The majority of Louisiana Medicaid members are exempt from these requirements, which means they do not have to participate in approved activities. Members are exempt if they are:
-Under age 19 or age 65 or older
-A former foster youth under age 26
-Released from incarceration within the last 3 months
-Blind or disabled
-Medically Frail
-A veteran with a total disability rating
-Pregnant or in postpartum coverage
-Native American or Alaska Native eligible for Indian Health Service
-Participating in substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol treatment or rehab
-The parent or guardian of a child under age 14
-The parent, guardian, caretaker relative, or family caregiver (defined below) of a person with a disability
-Meeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements
-Enrolled in or entitled to Medicare Part A or Part B