Work requirements in Medicaid aren’t the most workable approach

Regarding the article “New law may be necessary for Medicaid mandatory work requirements, White House says” (ModernHealthcare.com, July 12), I support assistance to those who have unmet medical needs. We should take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. However, there are those who choose not to work, or who realize that their much-needed assistance will evaporate if they go to work. Knowing the costs of insurance, child care and food, the income limits do give some people incentives to not work.

I’ve seen single parents in entrylevel positions, trying to get ahead and be productive, yet as soon as they reach that limit, they have no assistance at all. Without the assistance, they can no longer make ends meet. It’s better economically for them to not work at all, so they quit their jobs and rely 100% on public assistance. And that’s how they end up in the cycle of poverty.

I’m an advocate for a tiered or stepdown assistance program. Why not offer incentives to work to those on public assistance by incrementally decreasing benefits as the recipient gains employment and improves their financial position? Don’t just snatch everything away as soon as they reach that arbitrary limit. I see a system in which the recipient sees a net gain in financial position as a result of working. In order for people to want to work, it has to be perceived as a benefit to them as well to the taxpayers.

Denise Adema Fort Myers, Fla.