As a result of major changes in the federal Medicaid program, Virginians who receive health coverage through Virginia’s Medicaid Expansion program could lose eligibility if they are not citizens or could face new work requirements and more frequent reviews.
According to the Virginia Health and Human Resources Department, the new work requirements would potentially affect 23,435 Medicaid recipients in Fairfax County.
As of Oct. 1, any adult who is not a U.S. citizen and who is not pregnant or has given birth within the past 12 months will no longer qualify for full Medicaid benefits unless they are a:
- Lawful permanent resident;
- Cuban-Haitian entrant; or a
- Migrant from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2027, people receiving benefits under the Virginia Medicaid Expansion will be subject to:
- Eligibility reviews every six months instead of less frequent renewals.
- New work requirements that some participants must meet to maintain Medicaid Expansion coverage.
These changes are required under federal law and will be implemented in Virginia and other states…