The Louisiana Senate is considering implementing a Medicaid work requirement, The Advocate reports.
The Senate Health & Welfare Committee attempted and failed to pass a bill that would have implemented the mandate in 2018.
Here's what you should know.
1. The committee said they would study if requiring able-bodied Medicaid beneficiaries to seek out employment to keep their coverage would be beneficial, and decide future steps at a later date.
2. The committee is considering reintroducing Senate Bill 188 as a study resolution to gather more insight and data on the proposal.
3. Senator Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell, believes the state's growing enrollment will put a strain on Louisiana's resources. "I feel very strongly that as a state this is an issue we are going to have to come to grips with," she said during a May 3 hearing.
4. Governor John Bel Edwards, D, signed an executive order implementing a work requirement for food stamp beneficiaries in April 2016.
5. State Medicaid Director Jen Steele is unsure if the department should dedicate the resources to seeking out such a requirement.