Maryland Medicaid members between 19 and 64 will have to show work, school or volunteer activity to keep coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027, and some will renew twice a year instead of once. The Maryland Department of Health says people 65 or older are exempt, as are people who have Medicare Part A or Part B. Older adults and people with disabilities are the groups most likely to be asking whether the new rules reach them.
Who the rules cover and who they skip
The state’s work requirements page says the changes apply to up to 320,000 Maryland Medicaid members. About 1.5 million Marylanders are on Medicaid, so most are not affected. The federal law behind the change is H.R. 1, passed in 2025.
The Maryland Health Connection Medicaid Check-In page, last modified Oct. 16, says the work rules apply to adults 19 to 64 with income up to $21,000 a year for one person or $44,000 for a family of four. The page lists general exemptions for anyone under 19, anyone 65 or older, anyone with Medicare Part A or Part B, and anyone who left jail or prison within the past 90 days…