Medicaid Changes Effective JAN 1, 27

Medicaid Changes – Effective January 1, 2027

• Medicaid recertification will be required every 6 months.
• Make sure your case worker has your current address and phone number.
• Once you receive your Medicaid recertification letter, complete the process immediately.
• If you do not complete the recertification by the deadline, you may lose your Medicaid coverage.
• We have been informed that, due to staff shortages, it could take 3 months or longer to have Medicaid restored if your coverage is terminated.
• Losing Medicaid coverage could affect your ability to remain in treatment, since you would no longer have insurance coverage for your services.
• If you are homeless, it is especially important that you meet with your case worker as soon as possible. Ask your case worker what you need to do to complete your recertification, since you may not receive the recertification letter if you do not have a stable mailing address.
• Please let your counselor know if you need assistance with the Medicaid recertification process.

Medicaid Work/Community Engagement Requirement

• Beginning January 1, 2027, most people receiving Medicaid will be required to:
  • Work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month (20 hours per week); or
  • Earn a minimum of $580 per month.
• We have been informed that individuals who are receiving treatment for a substance use disorder at a nonprofit treatment program will be exempt from this requirement.
• OFR is a nonprofit treatment program.
• Your counselor can provide you with a letter verifying that you are receiving treatment at OFR.
• You should request this letter from your counselor and bring it to your case worker as soon as possible to document your participation in treatment.
• Having a child under 14 would also exempt you from work requirement

Please Share This Information

• If you have relatives or friends who receive Medicaid, please let them know about these changes.
• Encourage them to contact their case worker and make sure they complete any requirements necessary to keep their Medicaid coverage.
• The State has informed us that it expects more than 400,000 individuals will lose their Medicaid coverage.
• These changes are being implemented because of new federal Medicaid requirements.

Action Checklist

• ☐ Confirm your case worker has your current address and phone number.
• ☐ If you are homeless, meet with your case worker as soon as possible to find out what you need to do to maintain your Medicaid coverage.
• ☐ Watch for your Medicaid recertification letter.
• ☐ Complete your recertification immediately when you receive the letter.
• ☐ Do not wait until the deadline to complete your recertification.
• ☐ Ask your counselor for a treatment verification letter if you are receiving treatment at OFR.
• ☐ Bring the treatment verification letter to your case worker as soon as possible.
• ☐ Let your counselor know if you need help with your Medicaid requirements.
• ☐ Tell family members and friends who receive Medicaid about these changes and encourage them to take the necessary steps to maintain their coverage.