Key Takeaways
- Nebraska is the first state in the nation to pursue Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults in the Medicaid expansion population.
- The new requirements will take effect on May 1, 2026, and will require individuals to participate in work, approved work programs, community service, or educational activities for at least 80 hours per month.
- Certain individuals, such as people with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents or guardians of children up to age 13, will be exempt from the requirements.
- The goal of the new requirements is to promote long-term independence and stronger community ties, and to support people in achieving greater self-sufficiency through employment and other meaningful activities.
- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure a smooth implementation of the new requirements.
Introduction to Medicaid Work Requirements
The state of Nebraska has announced that it will be the first in the nation to pursue Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults in the Medicaid expansion population. This move is the result of HR1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes a provision requiring able-bodied adults to engage in work or other qualifying activities as a condition of receiving Medicaid benefits. Governor Jim Pillen, along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Steve Corsi, made the announcement, emphasizing the importance of promoting long-term independence and stronger community ties.
Details of the New Requirements
Under the new rules, able-bodied adults ages 19-64 in the Medicaid expansion population will be required to participate in work, approved work programs, community service, or educational activities for at least 80 hours per month, unless they qualify for an exemption. This can include employment, attendance at school, participation in an apprenticeship, participation in an approved work program, or volunteering. The goal of these requirements is to support people in achieving greater self-sufficiency through employment and other meaningful activities, and to promote long-term independence and stronger community ties.
Benefits of the New Requirements
The new requirements are expected to deliver meaningful benefits to Nebraskans, including higher and more stable incomes, greater success in securing better-paying employment, and access to benefits that extend beyond what government assistance alone can provide. Children in working households are also expected to benefit from more stable routines, improved educational outcomes, and stronger examples of workforce participation. Additionally, higher employment rates are linked to lower crime rates, increased civic engagement, and a stronger economy. DHHS CEO Steve Corsi noted that the new requirements will help Nebraska’s businesses and economy by encouraging greater economic and social participation.
Implementation and Exemptions
Current Nebraska Medicaid members will be assessed for the new requirements during their regularly scheduled renewal after the implementation date. Individuals applying for Medicaid on or after May 1, 2026, will need to provide verification of their community engagement activities or qualifying exemption. Certain individuals, such as people with disabilities, pregnant women, and parents or guardians of children up to age 13, will be exempt from the requirements. Nebraska Medicaid will use available data to verify compliance during application and renewal, and individuals found non-compliant will receive notice and have 30 days to meet the requirement or claim an exemption before denial or disenrollment.
Support for Individuals
Individuals seeking assistance with employment opportunities may use the Nebraska Department of Labor’s NEworks job service or download the NEworks mobile app. DHHS will send a notice by mail, email, or text to beneficiaries who must participate in community engagement (or have an exemption). More information regarding the requirement can be found at dhhs.ne.gov/workrequirements. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure a smooth implementation of the new requirements and to provide support to individuals who need it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska are an important step towards promoting long-term independence and stronger community ties. By requiring able-bodied adults to participate in work or other qualifying activities, the state aims to support people in achieving greater self-sufficiency and to deliver meaningful benefits to Nebraskans. With the support of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the state is well-positioned to implement the new requirements and to provide support to individuals who need it.