Melinda Bellanti

I oppose work requirements for eligible members of Medicaid expanded. While I certainly appreciate the desire to audit programs that are funded by taxpayer dollars, we must educate ourselves on who relies on this coverage and the challenges that exist with implementing this requirement. While meant for those of the lower income bracket, or for those temporarily uninsured due to circumstances out of the individual's control, i.e. loss of job, medical ailment, or disability; expanded Medicaid or Granite Advantage program provides a lifeline for those awaiting a decision on disability or processing of a APTD application which can date 9 months or more. If we consider that the individuals using this coverage are among our state's most vulnerable. To require regular proof of work or attestation from medical provider, we risk the most at-risk individual's health will suffer for reasons including not understanding the requirements, unable to obtain a doctor's note and pose a burden to both the providers sector already short staffed and also the processing burden to DHHS offices who face the same shortages. When the work requirement was to begin back in 2021, CMS ruling agreed that this requirement would put an unfair burden on our communities. I hope you will consider the fate and health of those in our state who need someone to advocate on their behalf. Thank you for your time, Melinda Bellanti