Medicaid

Gov. Kim Reynolds directed the state health department to seek federal approval for Medicaid work requirements, she announced Tuesday.

Republicans in the Iowa Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would require certain Iowans on Medicaid to prove they are working at least 80 hours a month to keep their coverage, if the federal government approves the state’s plan.

State lawmakers have proposed adding work requirements to Medicaid as the federal government looks to make potentially drastic cuts to its funding.

Thousands of able-bodied Iowans could be required to report work hours to maintain their Medicaid eligibility under bills advancing in the Iowa legislature.

A proposal to remove Medicaid income and asset limits for Iowans with disabilities who work was passed out of House and Senate subcommittees Tuesday with bipartisan support.

Iowans with disabilities are asking state lawmakers to loosen Medicaid income limits so they can advance their careers and get married without risking the loss of health care services they rely on.