If your family relies on Medicaid, there is an important federal rule change you need to know about. Congress recently passed a law creating new community engagement rules (often called work requirements) for some adults who get Medicaid. For most states, these new rules will begin on January 1, 2027.
Right now, seven states are exempt from this: Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming. But if you live anywhere else, this could affect you or your adult child.
The good news is that many people with disabilities do not have to follow the work requirements. For example, many people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for an exemption. However, some people with disabilities may still have to prove they qualify for an exemption, especially if they do not get SSI, are waiting on disability benefits, or are young adults moving from children’s services to adult services.
Family caregivers might also qualify for an exemption, but again, you may have to show paperwork to prove it. The biggest concern right now is that even people who qualify for an exemption could lose their Medicaid if their paperwork is missing, delayed, or filled out incorrectly.
What you can do right now: The federal government is accepting public comments on this rule until July 31, 2026. The Arc is collecting stories and comments from families to push for easier exemption processes and better protections against losing coverage over paperwork issues.
You can read the full breakdown and submit your comment through The Arc.