New York Medicaid work requirement
NY State of Health / New York Medicaid
If you are 19 to 64 and get Medicaid in New York through the adult expansion group, you may need to show 80 hours a month of work, school, job training, or community service, or enough income. Some people are exempt. Most states by January 2027; some sooner or later; check yours.
- Start date
- January 1, 2027
- Last checked
- September 2026
Who it applies to
New York Medicaid expansion adults ages 19–64 who are not otherwise exempt, including applicable §1115 demonstration populations. NY State of Health will notify you if requirements apply to you. Requirements are reviewed at application (1-month look-back) and at renewal (1 month of the prior 6). Renewals move to every 6 months.
What counts toward 80 hours
- Earn income of at least $580 per month (or seasonal average $580/month over the year)
- Work 80+ hours/month in a job
- Go to school at least half-time
- Join a job training or work readiness program for 80+ hours/month
- Volunteer or do organized community service for 80+ hours/month (through a public or nonprofit group — not informal help)
- Any combination of activities B above totaling 80+ hours/month
Who may be exempt
- Pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum (regardless of pregnancy outcome)
- Primary caregiver of a child 13 years old or younger
- Primary caregiver of a disabled individual
- Medically frail or living with a disability that significantly limits ability to work
- American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN)
- Former foster youth who aged out of foster care
- Veteran with total disability rating (VA)
- Household receiving TANF where work rules already apply
- Household receiving SNAP where SNAP work rules already apply
- Enrolled in or recently completed a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program
- Currently incarcerated or released from incarceration within the prior 3 months
Caring for a child 13 or younger, or for a person with a disability, is usually an exemption. Caregiving hours are not counted toward the 80 hours.
How New York checks
NY State of Health will first attempt to verify compliance using existing data. If it cannot, it will send you a notice. You can upload documents through the NYSOH mobile app (available early 2027) or through your NY State of Health account. Noncompliant members receive a notice and 30 days to respond.
What you can do now
- Visit info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered for the official NY Medicaid Changes page
- Log in to your NY State of Health account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov and check your renewal date under the Benefits tab
- Start tracking work, volunteer, education, or training hours each month now
- Download the NYSOH Mobile Upload app (available early 2027) to submit documentation
- Report life changes (pregnancy, disability, household changes) through your NYSOH account or call 1-855-329-8850
Sources and links for New York
Sources: NY State of Health (info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/stay-covered). CMS IFC CMS-2454-IFC. NY phone: 1-855-329-8850.
Last checked September 2026.
Log80 helps you keep organized proof.
Log your hours and make a monthly report you can share with your state Medicaid office. Free.
Log80 is not a government service and is not Medicaid. This page is not legal advice. Your state Medicaid office decides who must meet the rule and what proof it accepts.