Federal judge blocks narrow Medicaid frailty definition, expanding work-requirement exemptions

Federal judge Richard D. Stearns in Massachusetts issued a permanent injunction against the new federal definition of “medical frailty” used to limit Medicaid work‑requirement exemptions.

The judge said the rule was overly restrictive and that states lacked sufficient time and resources to adjust eligibility systems, siding with a lawsuit filed by more than two dozen states.

As a result, the implementation of Medicaid work requirements is expected to be delayed beyond the start of the year, and the exemption criteria will be broadened for individuals who are sick or disabled.