Patient groups seek Medicaid work requirement exemptions for HIV and sickle cell patients

Patient groups are urging the federal government to exempt certain disease populations from a new Medicaid work requirement rule. The rule, added by a 2017 tax bill, would require beneficiaries to prove employment, schooling or volunteering to keep coverage.

Federal officials have until June 1 to issue guidance on how states should apply the requirement, and states must have the necessary systems in place by Jan 1. The accelerated timeline is creating uncertainty for patients and providers.

Advocates for people with sickle cell disease have met with White House budget officials to request an automatic exemption, and HIV advocacy organizations are making a similar case for their members.