More changes enacted by the 2025 “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” will soon be rolled out and may affect how you access healthcare. Passed over one year ago, the bill created severe cuts to Medicaid and SNAP and instead has and will allocate  millions to national defense and Immigrations Custom Enforcement. Here is what you need to know.

Beginning January 1, 2027, there will be new work requirements for those who access health coverage via Medicaid via Medicaid expansion programs.

If you are 19-64, in order to apply for Medicaid, or to maintain your coverage, you may need to submit proof that you work, volunteer, attend school, or are involved in certain activities for at least 80 hours per week.

These are the activities that will allow you to still qualify for Medicaid expansion programs:

• Working full time or part-time
• Volunteering or doing community service
• Attending school full or part-time
• Participating in qualifying job training programs
• Earning at least $580 income each month

However, if you fall under any of the following categories, you will be exempt from these qualifications:

• Under 19 or older than 64
• Deemed medically frail 
• Pregnant or were recently pregnant
• A parent, guardian, or caregiver to a child 13 or younger
• A caregiver to someone with a disability
• Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program
• In jail or prison within the past three months
• Veterans with a total disability rating
• American Indians or Alaska Natives
• Meeting certain work requirements through other public assistance programs

Additionally, certain states may be providing temporary exemptions, like if you live in an area where unemployment is particularly high, or are receiving inpatient medical care. Be sure to look into your state’s specific guidelines. 

We know many freelancers access healthcare through Medicaid, and also that due to the nature of working independently, our hours can be difficult to prove, therefore these new requirements pose a unique challenge to freelancers. If you are concerned about these changes and want us to know how they will affect you, email us at community@freelancersunion.org.