Utah seeks to cap costs, sign-ups in limited Medicaid plan

Utah is proposing to cut costs and cap enrollment in the state’s Medicaid plan to cover the poorest of the poor by requiring some participants to have jobs and limiting them to five years of coverage.

The restrictions were rejected by President Barack Obama’s administration but leaders in Utah want to try submitting the proposals to President Donald Trump’s administration, which has offered to give states more flexibility.

The change comes as Republicans in Congress work to repeal and replace Obama’s law but it’s unclear how the proposals in Washington could affect Utah’s plan.

Utah has proposed expanding Medicaid to people who are homeless or need treatment for mental health or substance abuse.

Utah is taking public comment until July 20 on its proposed coverage limitations and work requirement.

The plan will then be submitted to the Trump administration.