Nebraska rolls out Medicaid work requirements, putting thousands at risk of losing coverage
Nebraska has become the first state to implement Medicaid work requirements, eight months ahead of the federal deadline, potentially affecting around 25,000 residents enrolled under Medicaid expansion. The policy requires able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 to prove they work, volunteer, or meet other criteria for at least 80 hours per month or qualify for an exemption. Advocates warn that complex reporting rules and insufficient guidance may lead to coverage losses despite most enrollees either working or qualifying for exemptions.
- ▪Nebraska implemented Medicaid work requirements on May 1, 2026, ahead of the January 1, 2027, federal deadline.
- ▪Approximately 72,000 Nebraskans are subject to the new policy, with an estimated 25,000 at risk of losing coverage.
- ▪Enrollees must report 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, school, or apprenticeship to maintain coverage.
- ▪Exemptions apply to pregnant women, parents of young children, people with disabilities, and those with certain medical conditions.
- ▪The state released a 295-page list of medical codes to determine 'medically frail' exemptions, drawing criticism for complexity.
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Health newsNebraska rolls out Medicaid work requirements, putting thousands at risk of losing coverageThe state is opting to begin the program eight months ahead of the federally mandated deadline in Trump's "big, beautiful bill."Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00People protest Medicaid cuts in Washington, D.C., in May 2025. Astrid Riecken for The Washington Post via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 1, 2026, 5:00 AM EDTBy Berkeley Lovelace Jr.Nebraska on Friday became the first state to implement Medicaid work requirements, eight months ahead of the federal deadline mandated in President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The move is expected to strip…
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