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MedChi joined the American Medical Association (AMA) and several national physician organizations in filing an amicus brief in Taylor v. Kennedy, a case pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, challenging federal regulations implementing Medicaid work requirements.
The issue is particularly important for Maryland physicians and their patients. Under H.R. 1, Congress established exemptions from Medicaid work requirements for individuals who are medically frail, including those with substance use disorders and serious or complex medical conditions. However, the regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) add a requirement that individuals must demonstrate their medical conditions significantly impair their ability to meet the work requirements.
The AMA, MedChi, and other physician organizations argue that this additional standard goes beyond what Congress authorized and could make it harder for eligible patients to maintain their Medicaid coverage.
The regulations also restrict the ability of states to accept patients' own statements about their medical conditions. As a result, patients may be required to obtain additional documentation from their physicians to establish eligibility for an exemption.
This creates two problems. First, patients with serious medical conditions could lose coverage because they are unable to navigate additional administrative requirements. Second, physicians could face additional administrative responsibility, detracting time from patient care.
Medicaid policy should improve access to care, not create administrative barriers that prevent eligible patients from receiving or navigating needed services. Work requirements must not disrupt continuity of care or cause vulnerable Marylanders to lose coverage.
Medicaid provides critical coverage for millions of Americans, including many with serious chronic illnesses. Interruptions in coverage can mean missed appointments, delayed treatment, and worsening health conditions. These disruptions can ultimately increase healthcare costs rather than reduce them.
The amicus brief supports the plaintiffs' request that the court overturn the challenged provisions.
Joining MedChi and the AMA are the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Association for Clinical Oncology, and American Thoracic Society.
MedChi's involvement reflects our continued commitment to protecting patients and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on physicians. We recognize that Medicaid faces significant financial pressures and that states must work to control costs. However, those efforts should not come at the expense of patients who qualify for coverage and need access to medical care.
We will continue working with the AMA and our national partners to protect patient access, support physicians, and ensure that Medicaid policies are both fair and workable.
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