What’s changing with Medicaid?
We'll help you understand the new rules and how to stay covered
Starting January 1, 2027, some Medicaid members will need to complete at least 80 hours of approved work and community engagement activities each month. These are activities like employment, volunteering, attending school, or participating in a job training program. Meeting these requirements can help you keep your Medicaid coverage.
Everything you need to know
Use the links for helpful information for understanding Medicaid coverage.
Do these work and community engagement activities apply to me?
How do I keep my Medicaid coverage?
How do I renew my Medicaid coverage?
What if I lose my Medicaid coverage?
Resources to help you meet the work and community engagement activities
When will the rules take effect?
Current Medicaid members
If you're already enrolled, you won’t need to meet the work and community engagement activities until your regular renewal in 2027.
Future Medicaid members
If you're applying for coverage, you may need to meet the work and community engagement activities the month before your coverage begins.
For example, you may need to meet the work and community engagement activities in December 2026 to get coverage in January 2027.
Do these work and community engagement activities apply to me?
You may need to meet the work and community engagement activities if you:
- Are between the ages of 19 and 64
- Qualify for Medicaid based on your income
- Are not eligible for Medicare
- Are not pregnant
- Are a U.S. citizen or meet immigration rules
You may need to meet these work and community engagement activities soon if you:
- Are turning 19
- Gave birth to a baby in the past 12 months (12 months postpartum)
- Have aged out of foster care and are turning 26
- Are a parent or caregiver with your youngest dependent turning 14
Who doesn’t meet the work and community engagement activities?
You may not need to meet the work and community engagement activities if you are:
- Under age 26 and aged out of foster care
- An American Indian or Alaska Native who is eligible for Indian Health Service (IHS)
- A parent or caregiver of:
- A child age 13 or younger
- Someone with a disability
- A veteran with a total disability rating
- Medically frail or have serious health needs, such as:
- Blindness or disability
- Serious mental health conditions
- Substance use disorder
- Major physical or developmental disabilities
- Already meeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work requirements
- In drug or alcohol treatment
- Incarcerated or have been recently released (within 90 days)
- Pregnant or gave birth to a baby less than 12 months ago (12 months postpartum)
Cover Virginia will review your information and determine whether you qualify for an exemption. An exemption is an approved reason why the work and community engagement activities do not apply to you. Cover Virginia may contact you if additional information is needed.
Are there any other exceptions?
If you’re facing a health condition, major life event, or other temporary hardship, you may qualify for a short-term exception. For example, if you:
- Are in the hospital or a nursing home
- Need to travel far for major medical care
- Live in a county with a declared emergency
You may need to tell the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) if any of these apply possible exemptions to you.
What do I need to do now?
Visit CommonHelp to make sure your contact information is up to date and accurate.
How do I keep my Medicaid coverage?
You may need to complete at least 80 hours of approved work and community engagement activities each month to keep your Medicaid coverage. Approved work requirements could include:
- Work (or earn at least $580 per month)
- School (attending at least half-time)
- Job training
- Volunteering
If your work is seasonal, your average earnings over six months must be at least $580 per month (or $6,960 per year).
You can mix and match work and community engagement activities to reach 80 hours per month. For example, you can:
- Work 50 hours as a barista and volunteer 30 hours at a local food bank
- Be enrolled in an electrician program at least half-time
- Volunteer 72 hours with an animal shelter and work 8 hours as a grocery clerk
How do I report my work and community engagement activities?
When it's time to renew your Medicaid coverage, you may need to report your work and community engagement activities.
Cover Virginia will first review information it already has. If Cover Virginia needs more information, you'll receive a notice by mail or through your CommonHelp account explaining what to submit. If you're asked to provide information, be sure to respond within 30 days to avoid delays or potential loss of coverage Cover Virginia may ask for:
- Pay stubs
- School records
- Proof of volunteer hours or work program hours
You can send this information online, in person, or by mail. If Cover Virginia doesn’t contact you, there is nothing you need to submit.
How do I renew my Medicaid?
As Medicaid changes, you may need to renew more often and provide updated information — including work or activity details. You will receive a notice when it’s time to renew your coverage.
Renewing your Medicaid benefits is as easy as Ready. Set. Renew.
Step 1: Ready
Get your information ready before you start. This can help you finish faster and avoid delays.
Step 2: Set
Make sure your form is complete and up to date. You can renew using the option that works best for you:
- Online: Visit CommonHelp to complete your renewal.
- By mail: Send the completed forms to the address on your notice.
- In person: Visit your local Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS).
- By phone: Call 855-242-8282 for help completing your renewal.
Step 3: Renew
Submit your renewal and wait for updates. You’ll get a notice from Cover Virginia letting you know if your coverage has been renewed.
What if I lose my Medicaid coverage?
If your Medicaid coverage recently ended, you may still be able to reapply and get your benefits back.
What can I do next?
Follow each step to get your renewal on track.
Step 1: Find out why your coverage ended.
Step 2: Complete your renewal or submit a new application.
Step 3: Submit missing documents:
- Income
- Household
- Work hours
- Proof of exemption
Step 4: Wait for confirmation
What if my situation changes?
Report any changes in your life as soon as possible to Cover Virginia. Certain life changes could affect whether you qualify for Medicaid or need to meet work and community engagement activities.
- A change in your income or job
- A new address
- Someone moving in or out of your home
- Family changes including marriage, divorce, pregnancy, or adoption
If Cover Virginia asks you for information, or if you need to report a change, you can contact:
- By phone: 855-242-8282
- By website: CommonHelp
- By mail or in person: Contact your local DSS office
You can also report changes, apply for benefits, and complete reviews through CommonHelp.
Find your local DSS office at dss.virginia.gov/localagency.
Resources to help you meet the work and community engagement activities
If you need help finding work, job training, or other support services, these Virginia resources may be able to help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Review our FAQs for additional help with understanding Medicaid requirements.