20% of Medicaid-eligible Adults May Lose Coverage Under New Work Rule

A new study has revealed that nearly 20 % of adults eligible for Medicaid in states that expanded the program face a risk of losing coverage because they may not meet the minimum work‑hour requirement set to take effect nationwide on January 1. The research, which examined demographic patterns across expansion states, found that the threat is unevenly distributed among certain groups.

Women, unmarried individuals, white residents, and those with limited educational attainment were identified as having a higher likelihood of noncompliance with the new work‑hour rule. The study highlights that these populations are already vulnerable to gaps in health coverage and that the upcoming policy could exacerbate existing disparities.

The findings underscore the need for targeted outreach and support to help at‑risk groups meet the new requirements. If the rule is implemented as planned, a sizable segment of the Medicaid population could face coverage loss, potentially affecting access to preventive and ongoing medical care.