UNDATED (WSAU) - The Trump Administration has turned down Wisconsin's plan for mandatory drug testing for some people to receive Medicare benefits.
The proposal from Governor Scott Walker was part of the state's 2015 budget, but would have required federal approval. It would have required single adults with no dependent children to undergo drug testing before qualifying for state-funded health benefits. Walker said it was a way of making sure that people on welfare were able to work.
Instead the Trump Administration will require childless adults to complete a health risk assessment. If there is a concern about drug or alcohol dependency, applicants will be referred to treatment. There medicare benefits would not be lost of they don't complete a treatment program.
The Trump Administration also approved two additional changes to Wisconsin's medicare program. Childless adults can only receive medicare for four years unless they get a job, attend school, or are part of a job training program. And there will be new premiums: $8 per month, and $8 co-pays for most emergency room visits. Those who don't pay their premiums on-time would be kicked off the insurance program, and won't be eligible to re-apply for six months.
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