Does Medicaid Now Require Me to Report Work Hours?

What happened

A new federal rule now asks some people with Medicaid to prove they work, study, or serve their community. This is separate from the yearly renewal check. The rule is brand new. States are still building how it will work.

What usually applies

A health group summarized this rule for us. It usually asks for 80 hours a month. Those hours can be work, job training, school, or community service. The rule mainly targets adults ages 19 to 64 in the Medicaid expansion group. Some people are usually exempt. This can include people who are pregnant, people a state calls medically frail, and people who care for a young child or a disabled family member. This rule is brand new. Each state is still building its own version. The exact hours, start date, and exemptions can change.

What to do

1. 1

   Watch for a letter from your state Medicaid office

   States decide the exact reporting process and send the notice explaining it. Do not assume one national start date applies to you until your state confirms it.

2. 2

   Check whether an exemption might fit you

   Some people do not have to follow this rule. This can include people who are pregnant, people a state calls medically frail, and people who care for a young child or a disabled family member. Your state agency confirms what applies to you.

3. 3

   Keep proof of your hours or your exemption

   Pay stubs, school records, or a note about caregiving can help later. This proof can support your hours or your exemption once your state's process starts.

4. 4

   Ask your state Medicaid agency directly

   This rule is still new. Your state agency has the most current answer. They know your own reporting date and method.