Chronic Disease and Workforce Participation Among Medicaid Enrollees Over 50: The Potential Impact of Medicaid Work Requirements Post-COVID-19
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, states may reintroduce Medicaid work requirements to reduce enrollment. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we evaluated chronic disease burden among beneficiaries aged >50 (n=1460) who might be impacted by work requirements (i.e. working <20 hours per week). Seven of eight chronic conditions evaluated were associated with reduced workforce participation, including history of stroke (OR: 7.35; 95% CI: 2.98-18.14) and lung disease (OR: 4.39; 95% CI: 2.97-7.47). Those with more severe disease were also more likely to work fewer hours. Medicaid work requirements would likely have great impact on older beneficiaries with significant disease burden.
Key Points
Chronic disease linked to reduced work among older Medicaid beneficiaries.
Work requirements would greatly impact those aged >50 with chronic conditions.
Coverage loss would have negative implications for long-term disease management.
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