Nebraska will become the first state to implement work requirements for some Medicaid recipients. According to the new rules, adults aged 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,” a statement from Governor Jim Pillen’s (R) office says.
“These requirements will help Nebraskans achieve greater self-sufficiency through employment and other meaningful activities,” said Governor Pillen. “Working not only provides purpose but helps people become active, productive members of their communities. Nebraska will be ready to move forward with these requirements prior to the federally mandated start of Jan. 1, 2027.”
“Across the nation, our goal is to support people engaged in meaningful work, involved in their communities, and connected to the support that sets them up for long-term success,” said Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Nebraska is leading the way as the first state to launch its community engagement requirements, and we congratulate Governor Pillen and his team for their commitment to helping more Nebraskans move toward greater independence and opportunity. CMS will be working together with Nebraska and its 50 counterparts to ensure every program is implemented smoothly, responsibly, and in compliance with federal law.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has launched a Medicaid crackdown targeting more than $1 billion in federal funds it says were improperly used by Democrat-led states to provide healthcare for illegal immigrants, American Faith reported. CMS said California, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Washington, Colorado, and Oregon collectively misspent $1,351,204,127 in federal Medicaid dollars between 2024 and 2025.
