Indiana lawmakers met Thursday to study changes in programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.
Indiana's Medicaid program has been approved to add a work requirement starting next year. Director Allison Taylor says the state's effort is unique.
"This is a demonstration concept we think we've got all the right tools to really help deliver on that pillar of developing workforce and making Hoosiers healthy," says Taylor.
To start, able-bodied adults will be required to work an average 20 hours a month and record their hours. Some exemptions would allow people with medical issues or those who attend school to continue to receive the benefits without working.
Law professor and People of Faith For Access to Medicine coordinator Fran Quigley cautions many will fall through the cracks.
"This requirement is going to create a red tape barrier between those in need and the medicines and treatment they need," says Quigley. "Sometimes desperately."
More than 1 million Hoosiers receive benefits like Medicaid and SNAP.
Indiana's program is set to go into effect next year.
