What to do if your hours are short
A short month happens. CMS says if a state cannot see that you met the rule, it must send you a notice and give you 30 days to show that you met it or that the rule does not apply to you. You can apply again later. Your state runs this process.
This page is not legal advice. Check with your state Medicaid agency. Your state decides who needs to meet the 80-hour rule and what proof it takes.
iPhone coming soonIdeas that may help this month
These are options CMS lists. Ask your state which ones it will count.
- Mix work, school, training, and volunteer hours to reach 80
- See if you earn at least $580 this month (the 2026 income option)
- See if you are in school at least half-time
- See if you are in a group that does not have to meet the rule, such as a caregiver of a child 13 or younger
Keep a clear record
Log what you did in the 80 hours tracker, even if the total is under 80. A clear report helps you talk with your state Medicaid agency. If you get a notice, you have 30 days to reply. Do not ignore it.
Sources
We fetched and checked these official pages on 2026-10-19.
More guides
Log80 keeps your proof in one place.
Track your hours and make a monthly report to share with your state Medicaid office. It's free, in your browser or on Android.
Log80 is not a government service and is not Medicaid. This page is not legal advice. Your state Medicaid office decides who needs to meet the rule and what proof it takes.