10/09/2026
18.5 million adults are projected to be subject to new Medicaid work requirements each year once the law is fully implemented.
Beginning January 1, 2027, many Medicaid enrollees will have to meet work or qualifying-activity requirements and navigate new reporting rules to maintain coverage. For someone in active cancer treatment, losing coverage because of paperwork, reporting requirements or an unclear exemption could interrupt lifesaving care. Active cancer treatment — including surgery and other invasive treatment should be a clear exemption. Patients should not have to depend on whether they meet a state’s definition of “medically frail” to keep their health coverage during treatment. States are making implementation decisions now. Ask your state legislators and Medicaid officials to protect patients in active cancer treatment.
Find your state legislators:
Plural Policy — Find Your Legislators
pluralpolicy.com/open/
Sources:
Congressional Budget Office estimate, cited by the Urban Institute: approximately 18.5 million Medicaid expansion adults would be subject to the work requirements each year once fully implemented.
Urban Institute — “Many Working People Would Be Shut Out of Medicaid under Proposed Work Requirements”
KFF — “Medicaid Work Requirements: Federal Outreach Requirements and State Plans”
The requirements are scheduled to begin January 1, 2027, with states responsible for implementation and exemptions.
Plural Policy — free tool to find state and federal legislators.