Learn about new Medicaid work requirements

Congress passed a new law. It is called the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act. It is also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

This law makes some changes to Medicaid. One of the biggest changes has to do with work requirements. Learn how these changes will affect you. Knowing what to expect can help make sure you keep your health benefits.

Here are answers to some important questions.

What are the new Medicaid work requirements?

Under the new law, many people on Medicaid will need to prove that they do one of the following:

• Work at least 80 hours each month
• Volunteer (do community service) for at least 80 hours each month
• Do a work program for at least 80 hours each month
• Go to school or take educational classes for at least 80 hours each month
• Work, go to school, and/or volunteer for a combined total of 80 hours each month

There is time to prepare. The new rules do not start right away. They begin on January 1, 2027.

Who needs to meet these work requirements?

You must meet the new work requirements if:

• You are between 19 and 64 years old.
• You are healthy enough to work (you do not have a disease or disability that prevents you from working).

Who does not need to meet these work requirements?

There are some people who are exempt. This means they do not need to meet the monthly work requirements. Are you exempt?

You do not need to meet the Medicaid work requirement if:

• You have a child who is 13 or younger
• You have a child who is disabled
• You are a caregiver for a family member who is disabled
• You have a disease or disability to prevents you from working, volunteering, or going to school
• You are younger than 19
• You are older than 64

How do you meet the work requirements?

You need to prove that you are working, volunteering, and/or going to school for at least 80 hours every month. You do this by completing a form online. You also need to provide documents like a tax form, timesheet, or school registration form.

To submit these forms online you need to have internet access. You will also need a phone, tablet, or a computer.

If you are exempt from the work requirements, you still need to take action to keep your Medicaid benefits. You need to show proof that you are exempt. You do this by completing a form online. You must also submit documents like a medical form, a birth certificate, or other records.

Most people will need to complete these forms and submit their documents every month.

What to do if you are worried about meeting the new work requirements?

If you think it will be hard to meet the work requirements, you can prepare. Doing some things now can help you get ready.

Here is a list of things that could help:

• Know where you can find a computer with internet access to submit your form each month.
• Know the date when the work requirement form must be submitted.
• Be sure to keep track of the papers or documents you need to prove you are working, volunteering, or going to school.
• Keep track of the hours you work, volunteer, or go to school. Write down the dates and times. This will help you make sure you meet the 80-hour requirement.
• Ask people in your community where you could work, volunteer, or enroll in a free class. There may be some resources that can help. One example in New York is the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. This agency helps people with SNAP benefits find jobs. They can help with things like childcare, transportation, and training.

What else can you do to prepare for these changes?

Make sure you give Medicaid the right information for you. This includes your:

• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Any other information they can use to reach you and to identify you

Check your messages. Be sure to respond to any requests for information.

Find out if you are exempt from any new work requirements. If you do not know, ask for help. Here are some people who could help:

• Your healthcare provider (HCP)
• A social worker or Medicaid navigator (someone who helps people understand their health benefits)
• Your state’s Medicaid office
• Community health organizations near you

Prepare documents ahead of time. If you must meet a work requirement, keep track of your hours. This means you should track the dates and times you work, volunteer, or go to school. You should also gather the documents you need. If you are exempt, you still need to gather documents to prove it.

If you are working, some documents you may need include:

• Timesheets
• Pay stubs
• Tax forms

If you are exempt, you may need different documents such as:

• A medical report from your healthcare provider that proves you, your child, or your family member has a disease or disability
• Birth certificates or other proof that you have a child who is age 13 or younger

Do not wait until the deadline to apply. Apply for Medicaid early. This can help avoid losing your coverage for any length of time.