The administration announced new Medicaid requirements that could affect hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians and nearly 20% of Medicaid adults nationwide.
The administration announced new federal requirements for Medicaid coverage that will begin taking effect this fall. Starting October 1, certain noncitizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, will no longer be eligible for Medicaid. The administration announced these changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump. In Washington state, the Health Care Authority estimates that between 200,000 and 320,000 residents will lose coverage due to federal funding cuts. Additionally, a new community-engagement requirement will take effect by January 1, 2027, requiring adults aged 19 to 64 to complete 80 hours per month of work, training, or community service. A study published in JAMA Health Forum indicates that 19.8% of potentially affected Medicaid adults could struggle to meet this 80-hour requirement due to inconsistent work schedules. While steady workers may find the rule simple to follow, those in gig work or part-time positions with less control over their hours may face more challenges. States will manage the implementation and determine how to verify compliance.
Sources
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Nearly one in five Medicaid-eligible adults may miss new 80-hour work rule
Medical Xpress
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Medical Frailty Exemption and Coverage Risks
AARP
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Major changes coming to Washington’s Apple Health coverage
My Bellingham Now
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Opinion | How Medicaid work requirements could backfire
The Washington Post
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Nearly 1 in 5 Medicaid Adults Could Struggle With New Work Rule — Even Those Who Already Work
Yahoo