The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued guidelines for states interested in adding a work requirement component to their Medicaid programs.

With nearly a dozen states applying to implement controversial Medicaid work requirements, CMS has issued a guidance letter to state Medicaid directors outlining the criteria it will use when considering such applications.

The new policy does not mandate work requirements in state Medicaid programs; it only presents the parameters CMS will use when considering the applications of states wishing to impose such requirements.

For  more information about the new policy, see the following resources:

  • CMS’s news release announcing the new policy
  • The letter CMS sent to state Medicaid directors explaining the new policy
  • A CMS FAQ on the new policy