New Medicaid Work Requirements: How Policymakers Can Mitigate Coverage Losses for Students
For the first time in the program’s history, Medicaid will mandate participation in work, education, or community service in exchange for receiving healthcare benefits beginning in 2027. These work requirements will likely create confusion for Medicaid enrollees, risk millions of people losing coverage, and place additional burdens on the 3.5 million postsecondary students enrolled in the program, especially first-generation, rural, and parenting student populations.
Recognizing that degree completion can increase economic mobility and long-term self-sufficiency, our new brief offers strategies for states and institutions to minimize coverage losses and allow students to focus on their studies, not their health coverage.
Meet Our Experts
Deborah Martin
Senior Policy AssociateDeborah Martin serves as a Senior Policy Associate for TICAS' Anti-Poverty and Basic Needs team. She supports TICAS’ efforts to close equity gaps and align anti-poverty goals to strengthen the nation’s workforce.
Erika Roberson
Senior Policy AssociateErika is a senior policy associate supporting TICAS’ anti-poverty and basic needs work. She is particularly passionate about closing opportunity gaps for students from low-income families and those in rural communities, similar to those of her hometown.
