The Biden administration is planning to eliminate Medicaid work requirements. According to reports, it will reverse policy from the last administration that allowed states to require people to do some form of work to be eligible for Medicaid.The Trump administration said the work requirement helped people move away from reliance on the health program so they could get jobs where employers cover health care.The Supreme Court is currently looking at a case about those requirements. Last month, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at removing barriers to getting Medicaid coverage.Â
Health advocates filed a lawsuit Thursday targeting Nebraska's two-tier system of Medicaid benefits for low-income, working-age adults.
The suit takes aim at what state officials called Heritage Health Adult, under which most Medicaid expansion patients get only a basic tier of benefits.
The state's plan had been to require that those people meet wellness, personal responsibility and community engagement goals to qualify for dental, vision and over-the-counter medication benefits, which are part of traditional Medicaid coverage.
Nebraska Appleseed attorney Sarah Maresh called the system unlawful because it created "barriers and burdens" for enrollees, in violation of the Medicaid expansion law passed by voters in 2018.
"With coverage beginning last October, community members are ecstatic to finally be able to see a doctor without worrying about receiving a high bill they cannot afford," she said. "However, we’ve also heard of the frustration and confusion caused by the unnecessary complexities of the tiered benefits system.
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"This lawsuit seeks to fully implement the will of Nebraska voters and undo the unlawful actions of the (state Department of Health and Human Services),†Maresh said.
An HHS spokeswoman said the department does not comment on pending litigation.
The National Health Law Program joined Appleseed in filing the lawsuit. The program's managing attorney, Sarah Somers, said the ballot measure prohibits Nebraska from imposing additional obligations on those who enroll in Medicaid expansion.
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"The experiences of other states that have imposed similar burdens show that they deprive people of the coverage they need and put heavy financial and administrative burdens on the state," she said.
State Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln, who led the petition drive to get the issue on the ballot, cheered on the legal challenge.
“The additional requirements and barriers that the governor implemented on the voter-approved Medicaid expansion initiative are unlawful and today Nebraskans are holding him accountable,†he said.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Christopher Etheredge, 23, and Mellissa Ely, 47, both of Lincoln. Etheredge now has coverage for the basic tier of benefits. Ely originally was placed in the basic tier, despite having a serious heart condition and other health problems. She had to make multiple attempts to be classified as medically frail so she could receive the additional benefits.
The class action suit claims that both are being subjected to additional burdens and restrictions, compared to traditional Medicaid recipients.
The suit was filed the same day that Nebraska's Medicaid director, Kevin Bagley, told members of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee that the state was . He said federal officials have made it clear they are unlikely to approve the implementation of those requirements in time for the planned April launch.
That decision means that low-income, working-age adults — the bulk of those covered under the expansion — will have no way to receive dental, vision and over-the-counter medication benefits for the foreseeable future.
Earlier this month, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services alerted Nebraska officials that the Biden administration was looking to withdraw approval for "community engagement" requirements. Under those requirements, which were to start next year, patients would have had to work, volunteer or do other specified activities for 80 hours a month to get full benefits.
Under the two-tier system, the state does not apply the same requirements to pregnant women, people considered medically frail and young adults ages 19 and 20. Although included in Medicaid expansion, they automatically receive all the benefits available under traditional Medicaid.
Top Journal Star photos for February
Top Journal Star photos for February
With a morsel of food perched in its mouth, a chickadee makes a winged retreat from a bird feeder on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at Holmes Lake Park. High temps are forecast to be in the mid-40s to 50s for the next week.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
David City’s Dylan Vodicka (right) collapses into the arms of wrestling coach Tahner Thiem after defeating Ord’s Kelen Meyer in the Class C 182 pound state championship match on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. It was an emotional day for Vodicka, who won his state title without his father, Jim, who passed away in December. "I know he's watching," Vodicka said. "He'd be so proud." Vodicka capped off an undefeated 54-0 campaign that included breaking the school career wins record with 184. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Scottsbluff’s Paul Garcia celebrates after defeating Gering’s Paul Ruff in the Class B 126 pound state championship match on February 20, 2021, at CHI Health Center. Garcia became entered into the history books as one of Nebraska's few 4-time state championship holders. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Crete celebrates after defeating Waverly 40-31, to win the B-3 district final on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Crete High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Nebraska takes the court to celebrate their three set sweep over Minnesota on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Devany Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Bill Eickmeier clears snow from his driveway early in the morning on Sunday, February 21, 2021. The city received another helping of snow -2 inches, to be exact, according to the National Weather Service. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Corn Coast Brewing
Corn Coast Brewing co-owners Dan Walkemeyer (left) and Will Walter stand inside the future site of their first taproom and brewing location at 1433 Dahlberg Drive in February 2021.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Lincoln East state wrestling qualifiers Brandon Bausert (top) and Keith Smith spar as part of a warmup during wrestling practice at Lincoln East High School on Monday, February 15, 2021. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Jutta Graham (left) and Tom Wagoner practice the basics of dancing the Rumba during a day of dance lessons on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at The DelRay Ballroom. The Rumba is regarded as not just a mere dance with steps to follow. Many regard the rumba as the dance of love and passion. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Florist Kurtis Bomar picks out roses for a Valentines Day bouquet on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Stem Gallery. Not even sub-zero temperatures and a pandemic can stem the curve of flower sales for Valentines day. As the orders continued to roll in, delivery drivers and florist have taken precautions to fight against the cold. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
A frigid squirrel braves the unwelcoming icy cold to forage for food at Holmes Lake Park on Friday, February 12, 2021. With the days high just barely reaching 1 degree Fahrenheit without wind chill. It was rare to see signs of life that were not bolting for warmth. Anyone spotted outside faced bone chilling winds and snow flurries. Forecast for western Nebraska predicted similar weather continuing into the following days. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Pius X's Dontae Thomas celebrates with teammates after pinning Elkhorn South's Henry Thomsen in the 182lb championship match during the A-4 district wrestling meet on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Omaha Central High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19
Nebraska’s Lexi Sun celebrates a kill by teammate Lauren Stivrins (not shown) to tie the score against Minnesota at 21-21 in the fourth set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19
Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (10) dives for an ace serve by Minnesota’s Adanna Rollins as teammate Kayla Caffey (top) looks on during a Feb. 19 match at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Minnesota, 2.19
Nebraska right-side hitter Riley Zuhn attempts a kill during a match against Minnesota on Feb. 19.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Top Journal Star photos for February
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
A bluejay watches as a competitor for food comes in for a landing on a hanging peanut wreath bird feeder Wednesday at Holmes Lake Park. After 10 days of frigid weather — including a period of below-zero high temperatures — the weather is forecast to be milder through the end of the month.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
John Matczyszyn (center) scores a goal between brothers Alex (left) and Thomas on Wednesday on the north shore of Holmes Lake. The brothers were joined by their father Alexander (not shown). After 10 days of frigid weather — including a period of below-zero high temperatures — the area is forecasted to receive a more reasonable climate heading into the next week.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
A squirrel raids a hanging peanut wreath bird feeder for a peanut on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, on the south shore on Holmes Lake Park. After 10 days of frigid weather - including a period of below-zero high temperatures - the area is forecasted to receive a more reasonable climate heading into the next week and a half.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
A pair of ice fishermen pull a sled with their gear out on the snow and ice-covered surface of Holmes Lake Park on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. After 10 days of frigid weather - including a period of below-zero high temperatures - the area is forecasted to receive a more reasonable climate heading into the next week and a half.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Lincoln Pius X's Charlie Hoiberg (12) blocks Lincoln Southeast's Sam Haire's layup as teammate Sam Hoiberg (2) and Derek Branch (3) look on in the first half Wednesday at Southeast High School.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Lincoln Northeast's Connor Renard (center) lands on the back of Millard South's Brock Murtaugh as they battled for a rebound in the first half Saturday at Lincoln Northeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Lincoln Northeast's Porter Bazil (33) blocks a shot from Millard South's Lance Rucker in the first half Saturday at Lincoln Northeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
With below-zero wind chills in the air, a squirrel leaps from one snow bank to another on Tuesday at Holmes Lake Park.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
American Bison forage for food in the bitter cold after on Sunday, February 07, 2021, at the Pioneers Park Nature Center. Bone chilling winds whipped snow through the Lincoln area, causing temperatures to drop to single digit temperatures. Weekly outlooks expect the trend to continue for at least into the next week. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
A dog walker walks past tree branches covered in hoar frost near Holmes Lake Park on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Fremont bowling head coach Keith Cunnings celebrates after the team won the team title during state bowling championships, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 at Sun Valley Lanes. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Alec Manzano (right) loads an order of groceries into a car at the Hyvee online order pickup site on Sunday, February 07, 2021, at the Hyvee on 51st and O street. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Venturing out in the below-zero wind chill on snowshoes he received in Christmas 2019, Walt Stroup of Lincoln blazes a trail on the pristine powdery remnants of the 25.3 inches of snow the city received during a 14-day period from Jan. 25 to Feb. 7 on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at Holmes Lake Park. FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
FRANCIS GARDLER
Top Journal Star photos for February
Fremont's Cole Macaluso bowls in the boys state bowling, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, at Sun Valley Lanes. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Snow and single-digit temperatures don't stop people from walking around Holmes Lake on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Nebraska's Kaitlyn Higgins springs from the vault during a duel against Rutgers on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, at the Devaney Sports Center. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Shadows of the Lincoln East show choir are silhouetted on the wall as they rehearse on Monday, February 01, 2021 at Lincoln East High School. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
Kenneth Ferriera
Top Journal Star photos for February
Nebraska head coach John Cook (bottom center) talks to the team before they take on Maryland on Feb. 6 at the Devaney Sports Center.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Top Journal Star photos for February
A biker braves heavy snowfall on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, along the Rock Island trail. Adverse weather was of no concern to the cold blooded bikers who took part in the Frosty Bike Ride on Saturday. Despite temperatures in the low teens and a snow forecast of 4 inches, bike enthusiasts braved the weather for the annual ride. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Lincoln Southwest's Tommy Palmer launches himself into the backstroke at the start of the Boys 200-yard medley relay in a February dual against Lincoln Southeast.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Top Journal Star photos for February
Proponents of LB643 wait in the rotunda to testify in favor of the new bill on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, at the Nebraska State Capitol. If passed LB643 would allow them to be exempted from any vaccine program, though at this time one does not exist. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
By-product of ethanol is seen at AltEn, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Mead, Neb.Â
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Hoar frost coats tree branches on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Top Journal Star photos for February
Crew members work around an OC-135B after it landed as the first U.S. Air Force plane from Offutt's temporary relocation to the Lincoln Airport on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. The Air Force's 55th Wing is relocating to Lincoln while Offutt's runway is reconstructed. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
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