Several top Republican lawmakers want work requirements for some able-bodied adults on the state’s Medical Assistance program. Senator Michelle Benson from Ham Lake says people could stay on M-A until they make enough to move into MinnesotaCare, and eventually have employer coverage. Benson says, “Our goal is to move people out of poverty, not to leave them trapped.”
Susie Emmert Schatz with the group “This is Medicaid” responds it’s not a realistic plan, because some face significant medical challenges. “All this is going to result in is fewer people with health care. It will not result in more people getting to work,” she says.
House Speaker Kurt Daudt, who supports the bill, says the number of people on Medical Assistance has nearly tripled since Mark Dayton became governor.
Sen. Benson summarizes the bill:
Response from Emmert Schatz in this interview: