State Rep. John Roth on Wednesday voted to protect work requirements for the Healthy Michigan program. The requirements, which are currently inactive because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, have garnered increased attention following Republicans electoral success last week.

House Bill 4224 would repeal work requirements for the Healthy Michigan program. The plan passed the House along party lines.

“This isn’t about forcing people to work, this is about encouraging folks to explore opportunities that will equip them with the skills they need to live fruitful lives free of government intervention,” said Roth, R-Interlochen. “We want every man, woman, and child to have access to the resources they need to be healthy and happy. But we also want those families to have a clear path to rise above their economic station and leave state assistance behind. I believe people are capable of more than just cashing a government check.”

The work requirements were enacted to prepare Medicaid recipients for future success. The law, which took effect in 2020, required able-bodied adults to participate in work for at least 80 hours a month, a 20-hour-per-week average. The requirements were in place until March 2020, when they were halted by a court order.

Should the Supreme Court reverse the court order, the requirements could go back into effect if the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services goes through the process of reenacting them.

“It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Democrats are running to get rid of this law right after significant Republican victories,” Roth said. “The writing is on the wall. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will soon reverse their decision and allow us to enact these meaningful work requirements – which again, are meant to help, not hinder, Medicaid recipients.”

The requirements repealed Tuesday had several exemptions, including a parent taking care of a child in the absence of another parent. They were also not limited to employment or self-employment. The 20-hour per week requirement could be filled by education training, unpaid internships, participation in substance use disorder treatment, or community service.

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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