AK HB362

Medical assistance recipients must demonstrate participation in at least 20 hours per week of employment, a department-established work program, or volunteering, averaged over one month, unless exempt.

Exemptions from work requirements include individuals under 18 or 65+, parents/caretakers of young or disabled children, those unable to work for medical reasons, pregnant individuals, and those receiving unemployment compensation or participating in substance abuse treatment.

Department of Health and Social Services is prohibited from requesting, accepting, or renewing waivers of work requirements or time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents in the food stamp program.

Existing food stamp waivers may continue until expiration, but no new waivers can be requested or current waivers renewed after the effective date; participants must be notified of changes.

Medical assistance work requirements take effect only upon federal approval by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with certification required by January 1, 2019; other provisions take effect January 1, 2019.