New work requirements for Medicaid go into effect May 1, 2026.
Who do the rules apply to?
- These rules only apply to people enrolled in or applying for the Medicaid expansion - Heritage Health Adult.
When do the rules start?
The rules start May 1, 2026.
- If you are applying for Medicaid, you must meet the rules for the month before you apply.
- If you already have Medicaid, the rules will apply at your renewal if your coverage ends July 31, 2026 or later.
How do you meet the work requirement?
Each month, you must do one of the following:
- Work 80 hours, which can be met by:
- Earn pay equal to 80 hours at the federal minimum wage (~$580 total household income, not just the individual), or
- Take part in a work program, or
- Do community service (80 hours)
OR
- Go to school at least half-time, such as:
- GED program, Technical school or college, or
- Be in a registered apprenticeship
Who does NOT have to meet the work rules?
You may not have to meet the work rules if you qualify for an exemption.
Some examples of exemptions include if you:
- Care for a child under age 13
- Care for a person with a disability
- Aged out of foster care and are under age 26
- Are a member of a federally recognized tribe or get Indian Health Services
- Are a disabled veteran with a total disability rating
- Are medically frail: this can include: blindness; disability including mental health, physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities; complex or serious medical conditions; and substance use disorders
- Are pregnant, or up to 12 months after pregnancy (if you had Medicaid while pregnant)
- Are incarcerated or were recently released (90 days)
- Are in a qualified drug or alcohol treatment program
- Are meeting work rules for SNAP or TANF
There may be other exemptions.
Temporary Hardship (Short-Term Help)
You may get a short break from the work requirement if:
- You must travel for serious medical care and services are not available near you
- You were in the hospital or a nursing home
- Your county had a federal emergency or high unemployment
What do you need to do?
- Watch for your renewal notice and any letters or requests from DHHS
- Report your:
- Work activity
- School or training
- Community service
- Report and show proof if you qualify for:
- An exemption, or
- A temporary hardship
Where can you get help?
Contact DHHS or go to: https://iserve.nebraska.gov/
Here you can:
- Check if you are in Medicaid expansion (Heritage Health Adult)
- Find your renewal date
- Update your contact information
- Report changes
You can call Legal Aid of Nebraska to apply for help if you receive a termination notice or a notice from DHHS that you do not understand. You can find more information on how to apply here: https://legalaidofnebraska.org/call-for-help.html
