This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to impose stricter work requirements for public assistance programs, specifically targeting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. It introduces new provisions that mandate income and identity verification by the Department of Human Services, prohibits illegal aliens from receiving food stamps, and establishes specific work requirements for Medicaid eligibility. The legislation also outlines exemptions from these requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and emphasizes that the department cannot seek waivers without prior legislative approval. Additionally, it limits retroactive Medicaid eligibility and requires the Bureau for Medical Services to implement work requirements by December 31, 2026, ensuring compliance through documentation rather than self-attestation.

Furthermore, the bill details comprehensive eligibility verification processes, including the prohibition of self-attestation for key eligibility factors without prior verification. It specifies that only U.S. citizens and qualified aliens are eligible for SNAP benefits and mandates verification of citizenship or alien status during enrollment and recertification. The legislation also restricts the acceptance of exemption designations from managed care organizations and outlines criteria for approving exemptions based on medical frailty or special needs, requiring medical certification from qualified professionals. The Bureau is tasked with disenrolling individuals who do not comply with work requirements and must submit quarterly reports to the Legislature and Governor on compliance rates and exemptions granted, thereby enhancing accountability in the administration of public assistance programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-8-2, 9-8-3a, 9-8-13, 9-11-1, 9-11-2, 9-11-3, 9-11-4, 9-11-5, 9-11-6, 9-11-7, 9-11-8, 9-11-9