Judge rejects Pennsylvania and 24 other states’ bid to block Medicaid work rules

A federal judge denied 25 states' request to block Medicaid work requirements, requiring states to meet a Jan. 1 deadline to implement rules mandating 80 hours of monthly work, school, or volunteer activity for Medicaid coverage. The states argued new federal guidance narrowed exemptions for medically frail individuals, but the judge found no justification for halting the rule.