Apr. 17, 2018
HARRISBURG – Calling it a win-win for all Pennsylvanians, Rep. Matthew Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) today announced House passage of his legislation establishing work requirements for able-bodied recipients of Medical Assistance (MA) benefits.
“By requiring people who are able to work to do so, we encourage self-sufficiency and independence from government programs,” Dowling said. “We want to see Pennsylvanians living prosperous and fulfilling lives, and prioritizing work can help them achieve that goal.”
Dowling made comments on the House floor immediately before the vote for final passage which was 115 to 80.
They are available here.
According to data from the state Department of Human Services (DHS), 51 percent of the state’s able-bodied MA recipients do not work. Dowling’s bill requires those able-bodied recipients to meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits. Those requirements include either being employed, attending a job training program for 20 weeks or more, or completing 12 job training program-related activities in a month.
“People who can work should work because it is vital to achieving better mental, physical and emotional health, as well as financial security,” Dowling said. “But while this bill is designed to encourage employment for able-bodied beneficiaries, it also takes steps to ensure those who cannot work continue to receive the benefits they need and deserve.”
Under the bill, people in the following circumstances would not need to meet the work requirements:
• An enrollee who is attending high school full time.
• An individual who is receiving temporary or permanent long-term disability benefits.
• An individual who is under 19 years of age or those who are 65 and older.
• Pregnant women.
• SSI beneficiaries.
• An individual residing in a mental health institution or correctional institution.
• An individual experiencing a crisis, serious medical condition or temporary condition, which prohibits employment, including, but not limited to, domestic violence or a substance use disorder.
• Those who are a primary caregiver to a dependent under 6 years of age.
• Those who are the primary caregiver for a person who is permanently disabled or in hospice.
Dowling said the bill represents another step forward in the effort to reform the state’s human services system to help lift people out of poverty. It will also ensure MA benefits continue to be readily available to those who truly need them.
House Bill 2138 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Matthew Dowling
51st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
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