Why threaten unemployed people with loss of Medicaid health coverage?

By Dennis Archambault

The reasoning behind the current Michigan Senate legislation instituting work rules on Healthy Michigan doesn’t seem to make sense (https://detne.ws/2rr1mIP). People may be unmotivated to sign up for (and renew) health insurance for a variety of reasons. The threat of losing it or not qualifying for it because of their employment status is unlikely to motivate many of them to try harder.

Most people who receive Healthy Michigan and are able to work have some form of employment. Some even work two jobs and still need the program. Those who don’t work may have psychological challenges, or may simply not want to work. Taking away their coverage won’t change that. In fact, it’s likely to further hinder their productivity given that their health will deteriorate. And, the cost of their use of emergency facilities for otherwise manageable primary care or management of chronic disease will inevitably cost society more. Has there been a cost equation done to estimate how much it will cost if Healthy Michigan is taken from those who aren’t working?

Also, you’d think that the proponents would try to soften the blow by confirming that this unemployed population needs work-readiness help. Where’s the offer to provide job training and placement services? Maybe it’s there but under publicized.

Proponent s of universal health care argue that citizens of this affluent country deserve a certain standard of living – which is largely determined by their health. Whether they work or not is a different question.

The Senate certainly is serious about this. To hold the pay of public officials as ransom for instituting this program is quite a threat.

Dennis Archambault is vice president, Public Affairs for Authority Health.