Missouri Rejects Federal 'Hardship' Exemptions for Medicaid Work Requirements
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri will not use the optional federal "short-term hardship" exemptions and will fully implement the Medicaid work requirements set by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, state officials confirmed. Department of Social Services media director Baylee Watts said the state will require Medicaid enrollees ages 19-64 to work, attend school or volunteer 80 hours per month.
The new rules take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The state said enrollees will need to verify their hours for just one month out of every six, rather than reporting every month. Watts said the state is building out systems and processes to ensure a smooth rollout.
Advocacy groups worry the requirements could cause eligible enrollees to lose coverage over paperwork or process hurdles; supporters argue the requirements encourage enrollees to join the workforce.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the federal budget reconciliation bill passed this summer, imposed new Medicaid eligibility conditions and allows states to seek short-term hardship exemptions to cushion implementation — an option Missouri chose not to take.
Sources: Missouri Independent; KRPS (Oct. 6 report)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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