States face tight timeline as feds unveil new Medicaid work requirement rules

The federal government released new guidance for states to implement Medicaid work requirements affecting 20 million adults, with a January 1, 2027 deadline. Democratic governors, including Oregon's Tina Kotek, criticized the timeline as unworkable, citing risks of coverage loss. The requirements, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, mandate 80 hours of monthly work, education, or community service for Medicaid eligibility, with exemptions for medically frail individuals.