New Medicaid Work Rules Take Effect January 1, 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, some people who have Medicaid coverage will need to show they are working, going to school, helping out in the community or participating in job training to keep their health coverage.
This is a new federal rule.
You can do these things to meet the requirements:
- Earn income of at least $580 per month
- Complete at least 80 hours per month of any of the following activities, or a combination of them:
- Work in a job
- Go to school at least half time
- Join a job training or work program
- Volunteer or help out in your community
- Earn some income and complete some hours of approved activities listed above each month
Frequently Asked Questions
This rule is for adults who have Medicaid coverage. But some people do not have to follow this rule, including people who are:
- 18 years old or younger
- 65 years old or older
- Pregnant, or were pregnant in the last 12 months
- Enrolled in Medicaid with a disability
- Diagnosed with a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard to work
- Entitled to, or enrolled in Medicare Part A or enrolled in Part B
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- A parent, guardian, caretaker relative or family caregiver to a disabled individual
- A parent, guardian, caretaker relative or family caregiver to a child under 14
- In a SNAP household, and subject to SNAP work requirements
- Enrolled in TANF and meeting TANF work requirements
- In a program to help with drug or alcohol use
- Currently in jail or prison, or released in the last 90 days
- Currently in foster care
- If you were formerly in foster care and discharged between the ages of 18–21, you are exempt until age 26
- A veteran with a total disability
Important Note: You may need to meet certain conditions or show proof that you fit one of these exceptions when you renew your Medicaid coverage.
Yes, you may not have to follow this rule if the following temporary exceptions apply to you:
- You were in the hospital or a nursing facility
- You or a dependent had to travel for serious medical care not offered in your community
- You live in an area where the federal government declared an emergency or disaster
- You live in an area with very high unemployment
By September 1, 2026:
If work requirements for Medicaid coverage apply to you, NY State of Health will send you a notice by mail (or email if you chose electronic notices) about upcoming Medicaid changes.
This notice will explain what to expect and what you may need to do in the future, including how to meet the requirements. If you do not receive a notice, the requirements may not apply to you.
Nothing is changing with your coverage at this time. You just need to keep your contact information up to date with NY State of Health.
Starting on October 1, 2026:
Some adults may no longer qualify for Medicaid due to changes in eligibility rules based on immigration status. If this affects you, NY State of Health will send you a notice letting you know that your status has changed. The state will work to determine what coverage you are newly eligible for.
Starting on January 1, 2027:
Some adults ages 19–64 will have new work requirements for Medicaid coverage.
These requirements will be reviewed when you apply or renew your coverage on or after this date.
At that time, you may need to show that you are or have been working, in school, in job training, or volunteering. Some people may not need to meet these requirements based on their situation (for example, health conditions or caregiving responsibilities).
New Re-Application Process
Starting on January 1, 2027:
Some adults ages 19–64 will need to renew their Medicaid every 6 months instead of once a year.
- If you apply for Medicaid before January 1, 2027, or renew before March 1, 2027, you will get 12 months of coverage if you are eligible. After that, you will renew every 6 months.
- If you apply for Medicaid after January 1, 2027, or renew after March 1, 2027, you will renew every 6 months if you still qualify.