Case Study: Medicaid Work Requirements Have Unintended Consequences

Supporting Evidence

The article examines the 2018 implementation of Medicaid work requirements in Arkansas, which led to over 25% of targeted enrollees losing coverage—primarily due to administrative barriers rather than employment status. Despite the policy’s intent to encourage work, the study found no increase in employment, but did observe declines in preventive care and self-reported health, highlighting the unintended consequences of linking healthcare access to work reporting requirements.

Tertiary Source
Source Title: A First Glance At Medicaid Work Requirements In Arkansas: More Than One-Quarter Did Not Meet Requirement
Source Category: Commentary
Source Format: Blog Article
Author(s): Erin Brantley, Leighton Ku
Publication Title: Health Affairs Forefront
Publication Date: August 13, 2018
DOI: 10.1377/hblog20180812.221535
Accessed: 2025-07-08
Bias & Credibility Report
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