New Medicaid work requirements, set to take effect in January 2026, will significantly impact middle-aged adults, especially women aged 50 to 64. Approximately 20m low-income Americans across 42 states and Washington, D.C., will be required to meet specific work activity benchmarks to retain their coverage. Critics, including the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, argue they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, potentially leading to millions losing coverage. The Congressional Budget Office projects that these changes could result in 5m fewer individuals enrolled in Medicaid over the next decade. While exemptions are available for certain caregivers and individuals with disabilities, concerns persist regarding the limited criteria and the risk of eligible individuals being unintentionally excluded from coverage.
