CMS recently closed an additional comment period for Mississippi's request...

...to add work requirements to its Medicaid program. Mississippi’s proposal was controversial, as it has not expanded Medicaid, and income requirements are strict (a family of three must earn less than $6,000 annually to qualify). 743,211 people receive Medicaid benefits in Mississippi, 61.9% in managed care plans and 38.1% through fee-for-service. Critics pointed out that those who complied with the work requirement would earn too much to continue to qualify for benefits, but would likely not receive employer-sponsored coverage. CMS asked the state to reconsider this aspect of the requirement, and the state proposed to add a two-year grace period for impacted families.