H.R.1279 - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals under the Medicaid program. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1279 proposes amending Title XIX of the Social Security Act to introduce a community engagement requirement for certain Medicaid recipients. This bill mandates that 'applicable individuals' (defined as those between 18 and 65, not disabled, pregnant, caretakers, or enrolled in educational programs) must participate in work, community service, or a work program for at least 80 hours per month to maintain Medicaid eligibility. States would have the option to disenroll individuals who do not meet this requirement, and the bill prioritizes using existing databases for verification.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely result in some Medicaid recipients losing coverage if they fail to meet the community engagement requirements. This could lead to increased pressure on social services and healthcare providers. States may face administrative challenges in implementing and verifying compliance with the new requirements.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in Medicaid spending.
- Possible increase in workforce participation among certain demographics.
- May encourage community involvement through required service hours.
- Could incentivize individuals to seek employment or job training.
- Streamlined verification process through prioritized use of existing databases.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of healthcare coverage for individuals unable to meet the work requirements due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Increased administrative burden on states to track and verify compliance.
- Potential for disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations with limited access to work or community service opportunities.
- Possible increase in uncompensated care costs for hospitals and healthcare providers.
- May create barriers to healthcare access for individuals in rural areas with limited job opportunities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is primarily tied to the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1), which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill amends the Social Security Act, a program established under this clause. Challenges could arise if the requirements are deemed arbitrary or discriminatory, potentially raising concerns under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, though this is less direct.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).