For Medicaid Members
Starting in 2027, some Medicaid members will face new requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
New York State will notify members who are impacted by the end of August 2026 — by mail, phone, text, or email.
The state will contact you directly if these changes apply to you. But they can only reach you if your contact information is current.
You don’t need to wait for a letter to take action. There are two things every Medicaid member should do today.
This is the single most important step. If the state has the wrong address, phone number, or email on file, you won’t receive notices about your coverage — even if changes affect you.
Update your information now:
Enrolled through your county’s Department of Social Services? Contact your local DSS office directly to update your information.
Members who renew their Medicaid before March 1, 2027 may have more time before new requirements take effect. Find out when your coverage renews — and mark it somewhere you’ll see it, like your refrigerator or family calendar.
To find your date:
Many people will not be subject to the new activity requirements, including:
*The eligibility criteria for these exemptions are currently subject to legal review. New York State is among the states challenging how these exemptions are defined under the federal rule. We will update this page as the situation develops.
Even if you’re exempt, you still need to renew your coverage on time. Make sure the state can reach you with your renewal notice.
According to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), if the new requirements apply to you, you can meet them in any of the following ways:
You only need to meet one of these. You do not need to do all of them.
Seasonal worker? If your work is seasonal, there is a separate calculation based on your average income over the preceding six months.
Not sure where to start? Hudson Valley Care Coalition’s free Job & Volunteer Resource Center connects Hudson Valley residents to local job training programs, career centers, and volunteer opportunities — organized by county — that can help you meet the 80-hour requirement and keep your documentation in order.
Your health plan and New York State have teams ready to answer your questions — at no cost to you.
Health plan member services teams are briefed on the upcoming changes. They can help you find your recertification date, understand what’s changing, and know what to expect.
Not sure which health plan you have? Call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777 — they can look up your coverage and connect you to the right place.
1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)
Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm | Saturday, 9am–1pm
nystateofhealth.ny.gov
Hudson Valley Care Coalition connects Medicaid members to local support for food, housing, and transportation needs. For questions about your Medicaid coverage or recertification, contact your health plan or NY State of Health directly.
Only if the new activity requirements apply to you. New York State will notify impacted members by the end of August 2026. Many people are exempt based on their health, age, or caregiving responsibilities.
Log into your NY State of Health account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, call your health plan, or call NY State of Health at 1-855-355-5777.
Working at least 80 hours per month, going to school at least half-time, participating in job training, volunteering in your community, or earning at least $580 per month. Our Job & Volunteer Resource Center lists free local programs that can help you get started and keep records of your hours. Visit info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered for details and additional information.
You could lose your Medicaid coverage, even if you’re still eligible. If that happens, you can reapply — but there may be a gap in coverage. Acting before your renewal date is always better than reacting after.
Read it carefully and follow the instructions. If you have questions, call the number on the letter or reach out to your health plan. Don’t ignore it — there are deadlines.
You may qualify for a medical exemption. Contact your health plan or NY State of Health to discuss your situation and understand your options.
Go to nystateofhealth.ny.gov, call 1-855-355-5777, or contact your county’s Department of Social Services if that’s where you enrolled.
This page will be updated as new guidance becomes available. Last updated: July 2026.
