Group sues HHS for approving Michigan work requirements

The National Health Law Program and other groups Friday filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services for approving a Section 1115 waiver for Michigan that requires certain adults to work to maintain Medicaid coverage, among other changes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last year authorized the state to require able-bodied adults aged 19 to 62 to work or participate in training or community service an average 80 hours per month to continue qualifying for Medicaid under the Healthy Michigan Plan beginning in 2020. The groups say the waiver exceeds the agency’s authority and seeks to undermine the Affordable Care Act, including its expansion of Medicaid. Legal challenges involving similar waivers in Kentucky, Arkansas, New Hampshire and Indiana are also underway.