NEW YORK (PIX11) — Some New Yorkers who have Medicaid coverage will not be able to keep their healthcare plan by the start of 2027 under new work requirements.
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, some people who have Medicaid will need to show they are working, in school, participating in community efforts or in training for a job in order to keep their coverage intact.
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As of May 2026, more than 6.4 million New Yorkers and over 3 million New York City residents are enrolled in Medicaid, according to state health department data.
Below is a comprehensive list of all changes and important dates New Yorkers need to be aware of.
What changes are coming to Medicaid work requirements?
As of Jan. 1, 2027, in order to meet the new requirements, you must:
- Earn income of at least $580 per month
- Complete at least 80 hours per month of any of the following activities, or some combination of them:
- Work at a job
- Go to school at least half the time
- Join job training or work programs
- Volunteer or help out in your community
- Earn some income or complete some hours of approved activities (above) each month that totals 80 hours.
Who is NOT affected by the Medicaid work requirement changes?
- A person 18 years old or younger
- A person 65 years old or older
- If you are pregnant or were pregnant within the last 12 months
- If you’re enrolled in Medicaid with a disability
- If you are diagnosed with a physical or mental health condition that makes it difficult to work
- If you are entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or enrolled in Part B
- If you are American Indian or Alaska Native
- If you are a parent, guardian, caretaker relative or family caregiver to a disabled person
- If you are a parent, guardian, caretaker relative or family caregiver to a child under 14
- If you are in a SNAP household and subject to SNAP work requirements
- If you are enrolled in TANF and meet TANF work requirements
- If you are in a program to help with substance abuse
- If you are currently in jail or prison, or were released in the last 90 days
- If you are currently in foster care
- If you were in foster care and discharged between ages 18 and 21, you’re exempt until 26
- If you’re a veteran with a total disability
Will there be temporary exemptions to the Medicaid changes?
There will be temporary exemptions for the following:
- If you were in the hospital or a nursing facility
- If you or a dependent had to travel for serious medical care not offered in your area
- If you live in an area where the federal government declared an emergency or disaster
- If you live in an area with very high unemployment
Important dates for Medicaid changes to remember
September 1: If requirements apply to you, NY State will send a notice in the mail with information about the changes…