New federal Medicaid rules require 1 month of work. Some states demand more.

Key Points:

• New federal Medicaid rules require millions of applicants to prove at least one month of work, school, or volunteering to gain or retain coverage, but some Republican-led states like Indiana and Idaho are imposing stricter three-month work requirements.
• Indiana's law, signed by Gov. Mike Braun, aims to reduce Medicaid enrollment by targeting about one-third of the state's recipients, with proponents citing concerns over fraud and program sustainability, while critics warn it will create bureaucratic barriers and harm vulnerable populations.
• Similar legislation is advancing in other states such as Missouri and Arizona, with some lawmakers pushing to eliminate optional federal exemptions like short-term hardship waivers, potentially restricting coverage for people facing medical challenges or caregiving responsibilities.
• Opponents, including health care providers and advocacy groups, argue these work requirements unfairly penalize people with chronic illnesses or disabilities and send a message that health care is a privilege rather than a right.
• Data shows nearly two-thirds of Medicaid adults already work, and many of those not working are retired, caregivers, or too sick, raising questions about the necessity and fairness of imposing strict work mandates.