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To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals under the Medicaid program.

3/14/2025, 9:18 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1279

Bill 119 HR 1279, also known as the Community Engagement Requirement Act, aims to make changes to the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act. The main focus of this bill is to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid.

Under this proposed legislation, individuals who are receiving Medicaid benefits would be required to participate in some form of community engagement in order to continue receiving their benefits. This could include activities such as volunteering, job training, or education programs. The goal of this requirement is to encourage individuals to become more involved in their communities and to potentially gain valuable skills and experience that could help them become more self-sufficient in the long run.

It is important to note that this bill does not apply to all Medicaid recipients. It specifically targets certain individuals who are deemed able-bodied and capable of participating in community engagement activities. Additionally, there are provisions in place to exempt individuals who are unable to comply with the requirement due to factors such as disability, caregiving responsibilities, or other extenuating circumstances. Overall, the Community Engagement Requirement Act seeks to promote self-sufficiency and community involvement among Medicaid recipients, while also ensuring that those who are unable to meet the requirement are not unfairly penalized. This bill is currently under consideration in Congress and may undergo further revisions before potentially becoming law.

Congressional Summary of HR 1279

This bill establishes community engagement requirements (i.e., work requirements) for certain adults under Medicaid.

Specifically, the bill requires individuals ages 18 through 65 to work, engage in community service, or participate in a work program (or a combination of these) for at least 80 hours per month. The bill prohibits federal payments for, and allows state Medicaid programs to disenroll, individuals who do not meet these requirements for three or more months in a year.

The requirements do not apply to individuals who are (1) physically or mentally unfit to work, (2) pregnant, (3) parents or caretakers of children or incapacitated individuals, (4) complying with work requirements for other federal programs, (5) participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program, or (6) enrolled at least half-time in school.

Current Status of Bill HR 1279

Bill HR 1279 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 13, 2025. Bill HR 1279 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 13, 2025.  Bill HR 1279's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. as of February 13, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1279

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
3
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
7
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
7
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1279

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1279

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals under the Medicaid program.
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals under the Medicaid program.

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