States Get Six More Months Before Medicaid Work Requirement Enforcement, Trump Administration Delays
States get six months
A Friday letter to state Medicaid directors said states may delay enforcing new work rules for low-income adults who receive Medicaid. The federal government had planned to require compliance starting Jan. 1.
New systems create burdens
In the letter, Brillman recognized the significant demands states face in developing expensive software to track enrollees’ employment. Hospitals have also prepared large education campaigns to help patients handle the additional paperwork. The delay gives states more time before they must remove coverage for people who do not comply, while leaving the January checks in place.
Who must meet the rules
The work requirement became law in the summer of 2025 as part of Republicans’ major tax and domestic policy legislation. It applies to Medicaid enrollees who do not have disabilities or young children. Those covered by the rule must show they worked, volunteered or attended school for at least 80 hours each month to qualify for Medicaid or remain enrolled.
Key points
- States may delay enforcing Medicaid work requirements until July.
- States are still expected to start checking work status in January.
- For six months, states will not have to cancel coverage for noncompliance.
- The rule sets an 80-hour monthly threshold for work, volunteering or school.