The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)  approved a waiver to implement work requirements in Wisconsin’s Medicaid program Oct. 31, making it the fourth state to enact such an approach.

Under the waiver, beneficiaries in the state’s BadgerCare program would have to engage in 80 hours a month of “community engagement activities” including “employment, job training, community service, or enrollment in an allowable work program.” The requirements would not apply to people with children or above the age of 50. The waiver also includes exemptions for those with disabilities or who are medically frail or a primary caregiver.

CMS rejected the state’s request to drug-test Medicaid beneficiaries.

“We want to remove barriers to work and make it easier to get a job, while making sure public assistance is available for those who truly need it,” Gov. Scott Walker said. “Wisconsin is leading the way on welfare reform, and we thank CMS Administrator Seema Verma for her support.” VTN