Debates of the Century: “People who can, should work for their Medicaid.”

Doors Open – 6:00pm  

Debate Begins – 6:30pm

Debate Ends – 8:00pm

The Century Foundation and NYU Wagner are proud to present Debates of the Century @NYU Wagner, a public debate series showcasing thoughtful, informed dialogue from experts. Join us on April 12, 2018 to hear the experts debate the resolution:

“People who can, should work for their Medicaid.”

In January, the Trump administration announced it would approve Medicaid waivers that link eligibility for health coverage to a requirement that "able-bodied" individuals work. Three states have approved waivers to date, and over a half-dozen others have expressed interest.

Work requirements have a long history in the United States. They were incorporated in cash welfare programs under waivers in many states in the 1980s, and then nationwide under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. More recently, Republicans in Congress have renewed interest in work requirements across a number of programs. Advocates and critics disagree about whether such requirements are effective in motivating families to pursue a true path to independence, or instead if they only add burden to disadvantaged people trying to make ends meet.

Join us as Vikki Wachino, the former U.S. director of Medicaid, and John McCarthy, the former director of Medicaid for Ohio and the District of Columbia, debate the effectiveness of work requirements as a policy tool. This debate is moderated by Erin Billups, health reporter for Spectrum News, NY1.