Medicaid
New campaign aims to help people keep Medicaid as work rules start January 1
A $2 million nonprofit campaign called Keep Your Care launched to help states and Medicaid enrollees prepare for federal work and reporting rules that start January 1 and put roughly 10 million people at risk of losing coverage.
Key facts
- NBC News reported on September 23 that a new $2 million independent nonprofit campaign called "Keep Your Care" launched that Wednesday to educate states and Medicaid recipients ahead of federal work and reporting requirements that begin January 1.
- NBC said roughly 10 million Americans are at risk of losing coverage.
- NBC profiled a Virginia couple who are full-time caregivers for their disabled daughter.
What happened
NBC News reported on September 23 that a new $2 million independent nonprofit campaign called "Keep Your Care" launched that Wednesday to educate states and Medicaid recipients ahead of federal work and reporting requirements that begin January 1. NBC said roughly 10 million Americans are at risk of losing coverage.
NBC profiled a Virginia couple who are full-time caregivers for their disabled daughter. They are exempt from the 80-hour-per-month work or community service requirement but will still need to prove they are exempt every six months. The mother said the letter about the changes gave her a panic attack.
What it means for families
Even people who are exempt from the work rules may have to prove it, again and again. Family caregivers on Medicaid should know whether they qualify for an exemption and what proof will be asked for.
For example: a son in his 50s on Medicaid who cares for his mother with dementia may qualify for a caregiver exemption, but he may need to show it at renewal. Keeping records of the care he provides can help.
What this means in New York: NY State of Health says some adults 19 to 64 will face work requirements starting January 1, 2027, with exceptions including caregivers of a disabled person.
Quick answers
Do exempt Medicaid caregivers still need to prove their exemption?
NBC profiled a Virginia couple who are full-time caregivers for their disabled daughter. They are exempt from the 80-hour-per-month work or community service requirement but will still need to prove they are exempt every six months. The mother said the letter about the changes gave her a panic attack.
What to do this week
- If a family caregiver is on Medicaid and 19 to 64, check whether they qualify for a caregiver exemption.
- Open every letter from Medicaid or your health plan and note any deadline on a calendar.
- Keep a simple log of caregiving hours and tasks in case proof is requested.
Sources
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