In Nebraska, Americans begin to lose Medicaid under Trump's work rules
Nebraska has become the first state to implement federal work requirements for Medicaid, resulting in the removal of approximately 200 residents from the program. The policy, part of a broader federal budget law, aims to encourage economic stability, though critics argue it creates unnecessary barriers to healthcare.
Why it matters
This implementation marks a major shift in social safety net policy, with potential implications for millions of Medicaid recipients across the United States.
On Saturday, Nebraska will become the first state to remove people from Medicaid for failing to meet new work requirements signed into law by President Trump.
The state's Medicaid Director Drew Gonshorowski told Tradeoffs in an interview that roughly 200 Nebraskans will lose their coverage on Aug. 1. "We've ensured that we have extra steps in place making sure we review any denial multiple times before it goes out the door," he said. "We don't want folks falling through the cracks on this."
Under new federal rules, about 20 million people in 44 states will need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month, attend school or participate in job training to keep their Medicaid benefits. People with disabilities or serious illness, parents of young children, caregivers and other select groups are exempt.
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