The Administration yesterday released the new work requirements for Medicaid enrollees, as required in HR 1. Dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill” HR 1 passed with only republican votes and made dramatic changes in how individuals qualify for Medicaid. The new rule will impact healthcare for millions of Americans and according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, will eliminate healthcare for a minimum of five million Americans.
Beginning on January 1, 2027, Medicaid enrollees will have to work, volunteer or attend school for eighty hours per month to continue benefits. There are exemptions for individuals considered “medically frail”, pregnant women, people in substance use disorder treatment and individuals with less than five years of recovery. Verification for all exemptions may be difficult to demonstrate, although self-affirmation the first year may be allowed. States have seven months in which to comply with the new requirements.
NAATP will be analyzing these complex changes in the days ahead and will be participating with our coalition partners to respond to CMS regarding how the new rule will impact our members and the patients they serve.
The entire rule may be viewed here: https://www.federalregister.gov.
CMS has given stakeholders until July 31 to comment. If you have comments, you would like included, please let us know.
