STAT+: Patients jockey for exemptions from Medicaid’s new work requirements

STAT PlusPolitics Patients jockey for exemptions from Medicaid’s new work requirements It’s not clear how the government will decide who should face extra hurdles to get Medicaid Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonMay 12, 2026 Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson[email protected]John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. WASHINGTON — Patient groups are jockeying for exemptions from Medicaid work requirements, but the unusually fast implementation timeline for states is causing headaches. Federal officials have until June 1 to tell states how to implement a provision of President Trump’s tax cut bill that requires certain Medicaid beneficiaries to show that they’re working, in school, or volunteering in order to keep their coverage. Once that regulation is out, states will have to put their systems in place by Jan. 1.Advertisement Advocates for people with certain diseases have been meeting with federal officials to urge that those patients be automatically exempt from the work requirements. For example, Patients with sickle cell disease recently met with White House budget officials to request an exemption. Advocacy groups for people with HIV are making a similar push. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In chronic disease, CMS, infectious disease, Medicaid, patients, Policy, public health Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Exclusive May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Medicare is spending far less than expected on new Alzheimer’s drugs Politics May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Provider, insurer groups rush to shape No Surprises Act arbitration rules Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: A new attack on AMA’s billing codes Politics May 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Top lawmaker takes aim at doctor lobby, linking AMA’s billing codes to fraud fight Health Care Inc. Newsletter May 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Pump the brakes on AI, buddy; and deposition deadlock Subscriber Picks