New Medicaid work rule could put more coverage at risk

Next year, many Medicaid recipients will be required to show documentation to avoid a new work requirement, including evidence such as a doctor’s note if they are too sick to work. The rule is part of new federal requirements issued by the Trump administration, and it could create more opportunities for people to lose coverage if they do not meet the new standards or cannot document an exemption.

Under the rule, many enrollees will need to be working, studying or volunteering to keep their Medicaid coverage starting next year. Consumer advocates say the change may catch many people by surprise, especially those who do not know what proof they will need to provide or when they will need to submit it.

KFF Health News correspondent Sam Whitehead discussed the new rule and its exceptions on WAMU’s Health Hub on July 1. In that conversation, Whitehead explained who will be affected, who may qualify for an exemption, and what Medicaid enrollees can begin doing now to prepare.

The source material does not say exactly how many people will be affected, which exemptions will apply in every case, or what specific steps enrollees should take beyond preparing documentation. It also does not report a broader timeline beyond the rule taking effect next year.

KFF Health News said the segment was produced in partnership with WAMU and noted that the article is republished under a Creative Commons license.