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SB 167

AN ACT AUTHORIZING A MEDICAID WAIVER TO REQUIRE CERTAIN ADULT MEDICAID RECIPIENTS TO WORK.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Sampson

Connecticut seeks federal Medicaid waiver to require certain adults to work or engage in qualifying activities to maintain health coverage eligibility.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services
#employmentofthedisabled #medicaid
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Bill Summary · SB 167

Legislative bill overview

SB 167 would authorize Connecticut to seek a Medicaid waiver from the federal government that would impose work requirements on certain adult Medicaid recipients. The bill enables the state to implement conditions requiring eligible adults to either work, pursue job training, volunteer, or engage in other qualifying activities to maintain their Medicaid coverage.

Why is this important

Medicaid work requirements fundamentally alter who can access health coverage in the state. This directly affects hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents by potentially removing their health insurance if they cannot meet work obligations, regardless of disability status or other barriers to employment. The policy has significant implications for public health outcomes, state budget costs (administrative enforcement can be expensive), and vulnerable populations including caregivers, people with disabilities, and those in economically distressed areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of qualifying activities: The bill's scope depends on how "work" is defined—whether it includes part-time work, caregiving, education, volunteer service, or disability-related exemptions. Narrow definitions could deny coverage to people unable to meet strict requirements.
  • Administrative burden and accuracy: Work requirement programs require extensive verification systems that historically have high error rates, potentially denying coverage to eligible people who face bureaucratic obstacles in proving compliance.
  • Impact on vulnerable populations: The bill doesn't specify exemptions for people with serious disabilities, severe mental illness, or those aging into Medicare, raising concerns about coverage gaps for those least able to work.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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