Starting January 1, 2027, certain Medicaid recipients in New York must meet new work or activity requirements to maintain healthcare coverage. According to state health department data, these individuals will need to earn at least $580 per month and complete 80 hours of approved activities, such as employment or schooling, each month.
As of May 2026, more than 6.4 million New Yorkers and over 3 million New York City residents are enrolled in Medicaid. The upcoming changes will impact how these residents maintain their eligibility.
What are the new Medicaid work requirements?
To keep Medicaid coverage intact starting in 2027, qualifying individuals must earn a minimum income of $580 per month. Additionally, they must complete at least 80 hours of approved activities every month.
Approved activities can include a combination of the following:
- Working at a job
- Attending school at least half the time
- Participating in job training or work programs
- Volunteering or assisting in the community
Who is exempt from these changes?
Several groups are not affected by the new work requirements. Exempt individuals include those 18 years old or younger, those 65 years old or older, and people who are pregnant or were pregnant within the last 12 months.
Other exemptions apply to:
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid with a disability or those with physical or mental health conditions that make working difficult
- American Indian or Alaska Native individuals
- Veterans with a total disability
- People in foster care, or those discharged from foster care between ages 18 and 21 (exempt until age 26)
- Individuals currently in jail or prison, or those released within the last 90 days
- Individuals in substance abuse programs
Caregivers are also exempt, specifically parents, guardians, or relatives caring for a child under 14 or a person with a disability. Additionally, those enrolled in Medicare (Part A or B) or those subject to work requirements for SNAP or TANF are not affected.
When will these changes take effect?
New York State has established a timeline for notifying residents of these changes. On September 1, the state will mail notices to individuals to whom the requirements apply. On October 1, the state will send notices to some New Yorkers who may no longer qualify due to immigration status, at which point the state will work to determine eligible coverage.
The new requirements officially begin on January 1, 2027. These requirements will be reviewed during the application or renewal process.
Temporary exemptions may be available for individuals in a hospital or nursing facility, those traveling for serious medical care not available locally, or residents in areas with high unemployment or federal-declared emergencies and disasters.
How will Medicaid renewal processes change?
The frequency of coverage renewals will change depending on when a resident applies or renews. If an individual applies for Medicaid before January 1 or renews before March 1, they will receive 12 months of coverage if eligible.
For those who apply after January 1 or renew after March 1, coverage will require renewal every six months. This represents a shift toward more frequent eligibility reviews for many recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I use to meet the 80-hour monthly requirement?
You can meet the requirement through work, attending school at least half the time, participating in job training or work programs, or community volunteering.
What is the minimum income required to keep Medicaid?
To meet the new requirements starting in 2027, you must earn at least $580 per month.
How often will I have to renew my Medicaid coverage?
If you apply or renew after January 1 or March 1, 2027, you will be required to renew your coverage every six months.
How will these upcoming changes affect your community’s access to healthcare?
