February 5, 2026
Implementing New Medicaid Work Requirements: Strategies to Mitigate Harm in Your State
Justice in Aging
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 2:00 p.m.
Last year, Congress passed H.R. 1, introducing significant cuts and changes to Medicaid, including new Medicaid work requirements. Under the law, many Medicaid enrollees ages 19 to 64 will need to document at least 80 hours each month of work, volunteering, education, or job training to maintain coverage. Although certain people are exempt, including caregivers and people with disabilities or serious health conditions, understanding, and applying these exemptions is challenging.
The webinar, Implementing New Medicaid Work Requirements: Strategies to Minimize Harm in Your State, will include a breakdown of the law's key provisions and clarify who the requirements apply to. Presenters will discuss how exemptions and other protections should be implemented to prevent coverage loss and administrative burden, particularly among older adults and caregivers.
Advocates will gain strategies and tools to use in the implementation and policy-setting stage to help ensure states comply with the law and adopt as many optional protections as possible.
Registrants are invited to submit questions in advance with their registration. In addition to answering questions, presenters will discuss:
- An overview of Medicaid work requirement rules under H.R. 1
- Who is excluded and exempt from the work requirements
- Updates on any recent guidance from federal officials
- Strategies and recommendations for implementation to minimize harm to older adults and caregivers
Who Should Participate: This webinar is primarily for advocates at the local and state level who are engaged with their state's Medicaid agency and other policymakers on H.R. 1 implementation.
Presenters:
- Natalie Kean, Director, Federal Health Advocacy, Justice in Aging
- Gelila Selassie, Director, Justice in Aging
Background Information for Attendees:
We recommend attendees review the following materials in advance of the webinar:
- Justice in Aging Webinar: Medicaid Cuts in H.R. 1 – Updates for Aging Advocates
- Justice in Aging toolkit: Mitigating the Harms of Medicaid Work Requirements for Older Adults: Tools for State Advocates
- Justice in Aging and Georgetown Center for Children and Families: How Medicaid Supports Older Adults
