Neb. judge strikes down Medicaid rule

Associated Press - July 2, 2009 12:05 PM ET

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A judge has ruled that Nebraska wrongfully terminated Medicaid benefits for more than 400 people. The state had argued they didn't work enough hours under a welfare-to-work rule.

Nebraska Appleseed Center Director Becky Gould says the ruling will help more low-income people get and keep jobs. The public-advocacy law center filed the class-action lawsuit on behalf of the 400 people.

Under the policy struck down by Lancaster District Court Judge Karen Flowers, a single parent with one or more children younger than 6 had to work at least 20 hours a week to retain Medicaid.

A single parents whose children are older than 6 had to work at least 30 hours a week.

On the Net:

Nebraska Appleseed Center: http://www.neappleseed.org/