Montana Man Fears Losing Medicaid Under New Work Rules

Montana Medicaid Work Requirements Could Put Coverage at Risk

It's never easy to get back on your feet when you've been knocked down. Health problems, addiction, or homelessness can make that feel almost impossible.

Sadly, there are some folks in Montana who are about to have another hurdle to overcome while trying to get back on their feet.

Montana Man Fears Losing Medicaid After Struggling With Homelessness

New Medicaid work requirements are about to be enforced here in Montana, which could cause some people to lose their health coverage if they can't prove they're working, volunteering, or attending school.

For Missoula resident Tywon Pugh, that's a pretty serious concern.

The 46-year-old suffers from seizures, which have made it difficult to hold down a job, let alone find one in the first place. His wife was able to help keep them afloat, but after she passed away last year, Tywon became homeless. His drinking also became excessive, which only made his seizure problems worse.

While Medicaid pays for the medication that helps keep his seizures under control, it could also help him get treatment for his addiction, something he's been trying to access.

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Who Can Qualify for a Medicaid Work Requirement Exemption?

Tywon isn't avoiding work. In fact, he's actively looking for a job. He's worried that losing his health coverage could make it even harder to get off the streets, something many people who work with the homeless are concerned about.

Under the new federal rules, people with certain disabilities and medical conditions can qualify for exemptions. However, being homeless by itself won't automatically qualify someone for an exemption.

For someone trying to find a place to sleep, get medical care, find treatment, and eventually get back to work, keeping up with government paperwork can almost feel like a full-time job on its own.

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Montana Man Holds Onto Hope While Fighting to Keep Medicaid

Still, Pugh isn't giving up just yet. He's waiting for addiction treatment, applying for jobs, and working with a social worker to try to keep his Medicaid coverage.

And when things feel their darkest, and he starts to feel like giving up, Tywon thinks about what his wife used to tell him: stay calm and things will get better.

For now, he's holding onto that.

"I just don’t want to lose hope in the meantime," he said.

Source: Montana Free Press