As the debate over Medicaid work requirements continues across the U.S., two states—Georgia and Arkansas—are rolling back some of their policies. These changes come as more evidence suggests that work requirements often lead to people losing health coverage rather than increasing employment rates.
Georgia’s Work Rule Adjustments
Georgia recently announced plans to soften its Medicaid work requirements under the “Pathways to Coverage” program. Currently, enrollees must document their work hours every month to keep their benefits. Under the new proposal, they would only need to prove they meet the requirements at the time of enrollment and during annual renewals.
Another key change would exempt parents with children under six from the work rule, recognizing that child care responsibilities often prevent parents from maintaining steady employment. Georgia is currently collecting public feedback on the proposal, with a deadline set for February 20, 2025.
Arkansas Moves Away from Strict Reporting
Arkansas is also taking a step back from rigid Medicaid work rules. Instead of requiring Medicaid recipients to submit proof of their work hours, the state will now use existing government data—such as tax records and employment information—to check if someone meets the criteria.
Additionally, rather than kicking people off Medicaid for not meeting work requirements, Arkansas plans to offer “success coaching” to help individuals stay covered and improve their financial situation. The public comment period for these changes is open until March 3, 2025.
Why These Changes Matter
The shift in Georgia and Arkansas highlights the challenges states face when trying to enforce Medicaid work requirements. Critics argue that most Medicaid recipients who can work already do, and strict reporting rules often cause eligible people to lose coverage simply due to paperwork issues.
Despite these concerns, some states—like South Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, and South Dakota—are pushing forward with similar work requirements. Meanwhile, House Republicans in Congress are advocating for even stricter Medicaid rules and budget cuts.
As the debate unfolds, Georgia and Arkansas may serve as test cases for other states considering changes to Medicaid work policies. Whether these adjustments improve access to healthcare or create new challenges remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
