WI – State asks for Permission to Drug Test Medicaid Applicants

June 2017 ~

Wisconsin has submitted a federal request to become the first state in the country to drug test applicants for Medicaid health benefits.

The waiver, if approved, will require able-bodied, childless adults to undergo drug screening when applying for Medicaid health benefits. Drug tests will not be required if an individual indicates during screening that they are willing to enter a substance-abuse treatment program. It would also implement new work requirements and benefit caps of no more than four years until the Medicaid recipient meets said requirements.

WI Governor, Scott Walker, says the state expects the Administration to approve the waiver. If so, the drug screening and work requirements would become effective in 2019.

Source(s): Chicago Tribune; Wisconsin Law Journal; HealthLeaders Media; WPR;