Does Helping People Find Services Count for the New Medicaid Work Rules?
AltheaDay asked:
Would unpaid research and networking on behalf of those in need and of social services count?
QUICK ANSWER: The rule defines community service as unpaid work completed through a "structured program" under a public or nonprofit organization. It also explains that the organization must provide oversight, track the type of activity performed, maintain records of dates and hours completed, and have a point of contact who can verify those hours.
Based on that language, it appears volunteer hours must be completed through a structured program. Activities performed independently, outside of a qualifying organization, do not appear to fit the rule's definition of community service.
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Based on the language CMS used in the rule, it does not appear that independent volunteer work would qualify as “community service” for this requirement.
The new rules say that “in order to meet our requirement that community service must be completed with a structured program, the public or nonprofit organization must provide oversight of the activity and have a process in place to track the community service completed by individuals, including the type of community service activity, dates and hours the community service is completed, and a point of contact who can confirm the hours completed.”
The rule defines community service as unpaid work completed through a “structured program” under the auspices of a public or nonprofit organization. It also explains that the organization must provide oversight, track the type of activity performed, maintain records of dates and hours completed, and have a point of contact who can verify those hours.
CMS goes on to say that this requirement means “an individual cannot complete a community service activity independently of an organization” that meets the definition. The examples they give—such as volunteering at a food bank, mentoring youth through a program, supporting seniors through meal delivery programs, or cleaning public spaces—are all activities performed through organized community programs rather than independently.
So while helping people by researching resources, networking, making referrals, or assisting neighbors can absolutely benefit people, the rule appears to require that community service hours be connected to a structured public or nonprofit program with oversight and documentation in order to count toward the Medicaid requirement.