Medicaid Information & Updates
What You Need To Know
A new federal law (H.R.1, sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) will change some Medicaid eligibility rules in Ohio. These changes are expected to begin on or before January 1, 2027.
Lifecare Community Health Center wants to help you understand what this means and how to protect your coverage.
What’s Changing?
Under the new law, some adults on Medicaid may need to complete certain activities each month to keep their health coverage. This is called a “Work and Community Engagement Requirement.”
Who Does This Affect?
This change may apply to adults ages 19-64 who qualify for Medicaid based only on income. This group is sometimes called Group VIII, MAGI Adult, or Ribicoff coverage.
If you are in this group and do not qualify for an exemption, you may need to show that you are completing approved activities each month to keep your Medicaid coverage.
What Activities Count?
If this requirement applies to you, you may need to complete 80 hours per month of one or more of the following:
- Working at a job
- Volunteering or community service
- Participating in a job training program
- Attending school at least half-time
- A combination of these activities
Who is Exempt?
Not everyone will have to meet this requirement. Exemptions may include:
- People under age 19 or over age 65
- Pregnant or recently postpartum individuals
- People who qualify for Medicare
- Parents or caregivers of children age 13 or younger
- Individuals with disabilities or serious medical conditions
- People who already meet SNAP or TANF work rules
- Native Americans and certain other protected groups
If you receive Medicaid because of a disability or certain medical conditions, this change will likely not affect you.
More details will be shared as the state receives additional guidance from the federal government.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new requirement is expected to begin on or before January 1, 2027. A final start date has not yet been announced. If you are affected, you will receive notice at least three months before the requirement begins.
If you are 19-64 years of age and receive Medicaid because your income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, you may be in this group. You can check by:
- Looking at your most recent Notice of Action (NOA), or
- Logging in to the Ohio Medicaid Self-Service Portal
No. As long as you remain eligible, your benefits and covered services will stay the same.
No. These changes apply only to certain adults. Children’s Medicaid coverage is not affected.
You may receive letters from your County Department of Job and Family Services asking for information. It’s very important to respond to requests and report changes within 10 days, such as:
- A change in income
- A new address
- Starting or losing a job
- Pregnancy
Not responding could result in a loss of coverage.
Yes. Medicaid will continue to cover transportation to approved medical appointments. However, rides to and from work are not covered.
What Should I Do Now?
For now, you should:
- Make sure Medicaid has your correct contact information
- Read all mail and messages from Medicaid
- Report any changes in income or household status within 10 days
Lifecare Community Health Center will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. We are here to help you understand your options and keep your coverage.
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