06/10/2026
**Topic: Medicaid Work Requirement Interim Final Rule**
On June 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule regarding Medicaid work requirements, mandated by Congress through the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which takes effect in January 2027. The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 3, outlines standards for the work requirement, with certain exemptions, particularly for individuals with disabilities.
Exemptions apply to those deemed "medically frail," which includes individuals with significant physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, mental disorders, or complex medical conditions. States must define what qualifies under these categories.
To qualify for an exemption, individuals must demonstrate how their condition affects their ability to meet the work requirement. CMS has set strict standards for proving eligibility, limiting the conditions under which individuals can self-attest to their status. While self-attestation will be permitted until January 2028, stricter documentation will be enforced afterward, diverging from the original law's leniency. As a result, many individuals may lose Medicaid coverage due to these new requirements.
Image: Disability News Update Mathis on the Mike: Medicaid Work Requirement Interim Final Rule Disability Matters
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