Due to a new federal law, some Medicaid rules are changing on Jan. 1, 2027. The new law is called HR1 and is also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It was signed into law by President Trump in 2025.
These changes may affect how often you need to renew your Medicaid coverage and what information you need to provide to stay covered. By understanding these changes now and preparing early, you can help avoid disruptions and continue getting the care you need.
Three major Medicaid changes
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, some adults who get Medicaid benefits may need to:
- Renew Medicaid every six months instead of once a year.
- Show they are working, going to school, participating in job training, volunteering, or completing other approved activities for at least 80 hours a month.
- Respond promptly to requests for information from their state Medicaid program.
Who is affected by the Medicaid changes?
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, the new rules apply if you meet all of these conditions:
- You are an adult who is 19 to 64 years old,
- You are on Medicaid expansion,
- And you do not have any exemptions.
Many people will not be affected by these rules, including:
- Adults 65 and older.
- Parents and primary caregivers of a child younger than 14
- People with certain health or life conditions that are considered exemptions, including current or recent pregnancy, disability, active alcohol or substance use treatment, or caring for a dependent with disabilities.
Learn more and check your eligibility on your state’s website:
What you can do now to get ready for the Medicaid changes
These steps can help make sure you continue getting the health care coverage you need.
Make sure your state’s Medicaid program has your current mailing address, phone number, and email address so you get important notices about your coverage.
Delaware
- Log in to Delaware Assist to make sure your address, phone number, and email address are up to date.
- Subscribe to email notifications from Delaware Health and Social Services’ Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.
- Report address changes to the United States Postal Service.
New Jersey
- Update your contact information and sign up to get text and email updates, reminders, and alerts from NJ Family Care.
- Report address changes to the United States Postal Service.
Pennsylvania
- Log in to COMPASS to make sure your address is up to date with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS).
- Sign up for PA DHS texts and emails to get updates, reminders and alerts about your benefits.
- Report address changes to the United States Postal Service.
Watch for official letters, emails, texts, or phone calls from your state’s Medicaid program.
The new Medicaid rules require some recipients to show they are working, going to school, participating in job training, volunteering, or completing other approved activities for at least 80 hours a month.
Keep documents that show your:
- Employment
- School enrollment
- Job training participation
- Volunteer or community service hours
You may need them when applying for Medicaid or completing a renewal.
If your state asks for documents or additional information, send them as soon as possible.
Questions about Medicaid changes and eligibility?
Choose your state to find contact information and resources.
- Delaware Medicaid Customer Relations Unit: 866-843-7212
- Check your eligibility and apply for Medicaid benefits on the Delaware Assist website.
- NJ FamilyCare Support: 800-701-0710
- Check your eligibility and apply for Medicaid benefits on the NJ FamilyCare website.
- Pennsylvania HR1 FAQ Line: 877-883-6383
- Check your eligibility and apply for Medicaid benefits on Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.