What’s changing with Medicaid?

We'll help you understand the new rules and how to stay covered

 

Starting January 1, 2027, some Medicaid members will need to complete at least 80 hours of approved work requirements each month. These are activities like employment, volunteering, attending school, or participating in a job training program. Meeting these requirements can help you keep your Medicaid coverage.

Everything you need to know

 

Use the links for helpful information for understanding Medicaid coverage.

 

Do these requirements apply to me?

 

What do I need to do now?

 

How do I keep my Medicaid coverage?

 

How do I renew my OhioMedicaid coverage?

 

What if I lose my Medicaid coverage?

 

What if my situation changes?

 

Resources to help you meet the Medicaid work requirements

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When will the rules take effect?

 

Current Medicaid members

 

If you're already enrolled, you won’t need to meet the work requirements until your regular renewal in March 2027.

 

Future Medicaid members

 

If you're applying for coverage, you may need to meet the work requirements the month before your coverage begins.

 

For example, you may need to meet the work requirements in December 2026 to get coverage in January 2027.

Do these work requirements apply to me?

 

You may need to meet the work requirements if you:

  • Are between the ages of 19 and 64
  • Qualify for Medicaid based on your income
  • Are not eligible for Medicare
  • Are not pregnant
  • Are a U.S. citizen or meet immigration rules

 

You may need to meet these requirements soon if you:

  • Are turning 19
  • Gave birth to a baby in the past 12 months (12 months postpartum)
  • Have aged out of foster care and are turning 26
  • Are a parent or caregiver with your youngest dependent turning 14

 

 

Who doesn’t have to meet the work requirements?

 

You may not need to meet the work requirements if you are:

  • Under age 26 and aged out of foster care
  • An American Indian or Alaska Native who is eligible for Indian Health Service (IHS)
  • A parent or caregiver of:
    • A child age 13 or younger
    • Someone with a disability
  • A veteran with a total disability rating
  • Medically frail or have serious health needs, such as:
    • Blindness or disability
    • Serious mental health conditions
    • Substance use disorder
    • Major physical or developmental disabilities
  • Already meeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work requirements
  • In drug or alcohol treatment
  • Incarcerated or have been recently released (within 90 days)
  • Pregnant or gave birth to a baby less than 12 months ago (12 months postpartum)

 

New York State of Health (NYSOH) will review your information and determine whether you qualify for an exemption. An exemption is an approved reason why the work requirements do not apply to you. NYSOH may contact you if additional information is needed.

 

Are there any other exceptions?

 

If you’re facing a health condition, major life event, or other temporary hardship, you may qualify for a short-term exception. For example, if you:

  • Are in the hospital or a nursing home
  • Need to travel far for major medical care
  • Live in a county with a declared emergency

You may need to tell the NYSOH if any of these possible exemptions apply to you.

What do I need to do now?

 

Visit your New York State of Health (NYSOH) account to make sure your contact information is up to date and accurate.

Update your info

How do I keep my Medicaid coverage? 

 

You may need to complete at least 80 hours of approved work requirements each month to keep your Medicaid coverage. Approved work requirements could include:

  • Work (or earn at least $580 per month)
  • School (attending at least half-time)
  • Job training
  • Volunteering

If your work is seasonal, your average earnings over six months must be at least $580 per month (or $6,960 per year).

 

You can mix and match work requirements to reach 80 hours per month. For example, you can:

  • Work 50 hours as a barista and volunteer 30 hours at a local food bank
  • Be enrolled in an electrician program at least half-time
  • Volunteer 72 hours with an animal shelter and work 8 hours as a grocery clerk

 

How do I report my work requirements?

 

When it's time to renew your Medicaid coverage, you may need to report your work requirements, such as work, school, job training, or volunteer activities.

 

New York State of Health (NYSOH) will first review information it already has. If NYSOH needs more information, you'll receive a notice by mail or through your NYSOH account explaining what to submit. If you're asked to provide information, be sure to respond within 30 days to avoid delays or potential loss of coverage.

 

NYSOH may ask for:

  • Pay stubs
  • School records
  • Proof of volunteer hours or work program hours

You can send this information online, in person, or by mail. If NYOSH doesn’t contact you, there is nothing you need to submit.

How do I renew my Medicaid?

 

As Medicaid changes, you may need to renew more often and provide updated information — including work or activity details. You will receive a notice when it’s time to renew your coverage.

 

Renewing your Medicaid benefits is as easy as Ready. Set. Renew. 

Step 1: Ready

 

Get your information ready before you start. This can help you finish faster and avoid delays. 

Step 2: Set 

 

Make sure your form is complete and up to date. You can renew using the option that works best for you:

Step 3: Renew

 

Submit your renewal and wait for updates. You’ll get a notice from NYSOH letting you know if your coverage has been renewed.

 

Renew now 

What if I lose my Medicaid coverage?

 

If your Medicaid coverage recently ended, you may still be able to reapply and get your benefits back.

 

What can I do next?

 

Follow each step to get your renewal on track.

 

Step 1: Find out why your coverage ended.

 

Step 2: Complete your renewal or submit a new application.

 

Step 3: Submit missing documents:

  • Income
  • Household
  • Work hours
  • Proof of exemption

 

Step 4: Wait for confirmation

 

Get your coverage back 

What if my situation changes?

 

Report any changes in your life as soon as possible to New York State of Health (NYSOH). Certain life changes could affect whether you qualify for Medicaid or need to meet work requirements, including:

  • A change in your income or job
  • A new address
  • Someone moving in or out of your home
  • Family changes including marriage, divorce, pregnancy, or adoption

 

If NYSOH asks you for information, or if you need to report a change, you can contact NYSOH:

 

You can also report changes, apply for benefits, and complete reviews through NYOSH.

Resources to help you meet the Medicaid work requirements

 

If you need help finding work, job training, or other support services, these New York resources may be able to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Review our frequently asked questions (FAQs) for additional help with understanding Medicaid requirements.