JACKSON, Miss.–To get on Medicaid under the program being considered by state lawmakers, you would have to be employed at least part-time. And, that’s the hang-up, the reason why legislators have not yet brought the House-Senate compromise reached Monday, to a vote.
The conference report was recommitted Wednesday, meaning they are keeping it alive for another day. Today is the final day for both chambers to vote on it.
“We think the work requirement by itself is a killer,” said House Democratic Leader Robert Johnson.
He explained that even if the law passes and is signed into law the Centers for Medicaid, a federal oversight agency, must approve it. He said they have never approved a plan with a work requirement.
“We know right now the CMS will not approve a work requirement,” he told reporters Wednesday.
Most Delta lawmakers have voted in favor of the plans approved by the House and Senate. The compromise worked out Monday represents what is closest to the original plan by the House, which is close to full expansion, which would make nearly 200,000 more Mississippians eligible for Medicaid.
