Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act

Legislative Summary: S 447 - Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act

Overview

The Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act (S 447) is a legislative proposal aimed at introducing mandatory work or community engagement requirements for certain adults receiving Medicaid benefits. The primary intent of the bill is to encourage employment and volunteerism among "able-bodied" adults as a condition for receiving federal medical assistance.

Key Provisions

1. Implementation of Work Requirements

Starting January 1, 2026, the bill prohibits states from providing Medicaid assistance to "able-bodied adults" for any month in which they fail to meet specific work-related criteria.

To maintain eligibility, an able-bodied adult must satisfy at least one of the following on a monthly average:
* Employment: Work 20 hours or more per week.
* Volunteerism: Volunteer for 20 hours or more per week.

2. Definition of "Able-Bodied Adult"

The bill explicitly defines who is subject to these requirements. An individual is considered an "able-bodied adult" unless they fall into one of the following exempt categories:
* Age: Individuals under 18 or over 65 years of age.
* Health Status: Individuals medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment.
* Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals.
* Caregiving: Primary parents or caretakers of a dependent child under 6 years old, or a dependent child with a serious medical condition or disability (as determined by the State).
* Other Programs: Individuals receiving unemployment compensation (provided they comply with those program's work requirements) or those participating in a certified drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.

Who is Affected?

• Medicaid Recipients: Able-bodied adults who are currently receiving Medicaid services but do not meet the 20-hour-per-week work or volunteer threshold.
• State Agencies: State governments responsible for administering Medicaid plans will be required to implement and verify these requirements to remain compliant with federal law.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: February 6, 2025
• Current Status: The bill has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance for further review.
• Sponsors: Introduced in the Senate with co-sponsorship from Senators John Neely Kennedy and Eric Schmitt.

Summary Table