Summary
Nebraska will be the first U.S. state to enforce new Medicaid work rules, following a law signed by President Trump in July 2025. These rules require certain Medicaid recipients to provide proof of work or schooling to keep their benefits. The changes could lead to more states implementing similar rules in the future.
Key Facts
- Nebraska's new Medicaid rules apply to able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 under Medicaid expansion.
- Recipients must prove 80 hours of work or community service per month or be enrolled in school at least half-time.
- About 72,000 out of 346,000 Medicaid recipients in Nebraska may be affected by this rule.
- Exemptions exist for disabled veterans, pregnant women, primary caregivers, the homeless, and others.
- No new state staff will be hired to implement these changes; existing resources will be used.
- The Congressional Budget Office predicts that the new requirements could make 4.5 million Americans uninsured annually by 2027.
- Nebraska plans to notify affected individuals by early January 2026.
