2026 Medicaid Work Requirement Rule

About the Medicaid Work Requirement Rule

On June 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a rule that requires certain Medicaid enrollees to show they are working, volunteering, or participating in other “qualifying activities” for at least 80 hours each month. This rule takes effect July 31, 2026 and must be implemented by state Medicaid offices by January 1, 2027.

As written, this rule may negatively affect the sickle cell disease (SCD) community. Sick Cells is taking action and asks the community to join us:

1. Submit a public comment to CMS HERE by July 31, 2026. (Check out our toolkit for a step by step guide)
2. Community based organizations and institutions can join our Community Sign-on Letter below.
3. View our webinars and resources below for more information.

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Community Sign-on Letter

Community based organizations and institutions can join our sign-on letter. View the letter below and click the button to add your organization to the final letter.

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Webinar Series

Sick Cells is hosting a 2 part webinar series to share information about the Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding work requirements: what’s at stake, what we’re doing about it, and how you can take action by submitting a public comment to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

• Medicaid Work Requirements Webinar: Part 1 was hosted on June 24, 2026. View the recording below.
• Medicaid Work Requirements Webinar: Part 2 is scheduled for July 15, 2026 at 1pm ET. REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

Sick Cells Comment Letter

Sick Cells submitted a comment letter to CMS on June 23, 2026. Click the button below to view the letter.

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Questions? Email us at engage@sickcells.org