A new federal law, H.R. 1, is bringing changes to Medicaid eligibility and renewal requirements. While not all Maryland Medicaid members will not be affected, some individuals may see changes beginning in October 2026 and/or January 2027. The Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Health Connection, Managed Care Organizations, and community partners are working together to help Marylanders understand these changes and maintain their coverage.
To help community members better understand what is changing and what steps they may need to take, our President and CEO, Dr. Teresa Titus-Howard, will review these updates during our next virtual Community Enrichment Series webinar on August 18, 2026, from Noon–1:00 p.m.
CLICK HERE to access the presentation recording, resources and slide deck.
H.R. 1 changes several Medicaid eligibility rules. The first changes begin on October 1, 2026, when some adult noncitizens will no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage. Additional changes begin January 1, 2027, for some adults enrolled through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid Expansion Group, including new work and community engagement requirements, more frequent renewals, and reduced retroactive coverage.
- Learn more about what is changing by visiting Maryland Health Connection’s Medicaid Check-In: Learn what’s changing page.
Who is affected by the changes to noncitizen eligibility?
Some noncitizens may lose Medicaid eligibility beginning October 1, 2026. However, many groups will remain eligible, including children, pregnant people, certain lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants. Maryland also plans to continue coverage for many lawfully residing children and pregnant people.
- Learn more by reviewing the Maryland Medicaid Check-In Medicaid Member Immigration Changes one-pager.
- Tip: If you or someone you know may be affected by the changes for noncitizens, schedule needed medical appointments and refill prescriptions before October 1, 2026.
Is Emergency Medicaid Changing?
Emergency Medicaid is not changing. It will still cover emergency medical care for people who qualify for Medicaid but do not qualify for full Medicaid because of their immigration status. Emergency Medicaid covers serious health emergencies, including emergency labor and delivery.
- One change to know about is that applications submitted by December 31, 2026 can receive up to three months of retroactive coverage.
- Applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027 can receive only two months of retroactive coverage due to a federal law change.
- To apply, the patient must work with their provider and local Medicaid office to complete and submit the required paperwork.
- Learn more by reviewing the Maryland Medicaid Check-In Provider Immigration Changes FAQ document.
Will everyone have to meet Medicaid work requirements?
No. The new work requirements may apply only to some adults ages 19 to 64 who receive coverage through the ACA Expansion Group. Many people may be exempt, including individuals who are pregnant, disabled, caregivers of young children or people with disabilities, medically frail, participating in substance use disorder treatment, or otherwise covered by an exemption.
- Learn more by reviewing Work Requirements on the Maryland Department of Health’s website.
- Visit the Maryland Health Connection’s Get An Estimate Tool or Ask Flora on the Maryland Health Connection website or mobile app to check whether requirements may apply to you.
What should people do now?
The most important thing Medicaid members can do right now is prepare:
- Make sure your address, phone number, and email are up to date in Maryland Health Connection or MD Benefits.
- Report changes to your household or income as required to in Maryland Health Connection or MD Benefits.
- Open and read every letter from Maryland Health Connection, the Maryland Department of Health, or the Department of Human Services.
- If you may be affected by the changes for noncitizens, schedule needed medical appointments and refill prescriptions before October 1, 2026.
- Check whether the new requirements may apply to you using Maryland Health Connection’s resources.
Are any protections remaining in place?
Yes. Two important programs remain unchanged:
- The Healthy Babies Program will continue to provide coverage for eligible pregnant people and new mothers; and,
- Emergency Medicaid will continue to cover eligible emergency medical care for individuals who do not qualify for regular Medicaid coverage.
Helpful resources include:
- Visit the Maryland Health Connection’s Get An Estimate Tool or Ask Flora on the Maryland Health Connection website or mobile app to check whether requirements may apply to you.
Find Help
For questions about these changes or to determine if you qualify for coverage, contact Maryland Health Connection or MD Benefits.
If you have Medicaid or MCHP health coverage:
- Login to your account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.
- Call Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572.
- Help is available in more than 200 languages.
- Deaf and hard of hearing use Relay service.
- Call or visit your local Department of Social Services or your
If you have coverage through MD Benefits:
- Login to your account at benefits.maryland.gov.
- Call the DHS Call Center at 800-332-6347.
- Help is available in more than 200 languages.
- Deaf and hard of hearing use Relay service.
- Call or visit your local Department of Social Services or your local health department.
For community resources:
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211md.org.
- For information about free or affordable health care services in your county, contact your local health department.
Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Checkin to learn more.
Staying Informed Is the Best Way to Stay Covered
While many details of the new federal requirements are still being implemented, Maryland agencies and community partners are actively working to help residents understand the changes and maintain access to health care. The best way to protect your coverage is to stay informed, keep your contact information current, read every Medicaid notice you receive, and reach out for assistance if you have questions. If you receive services through The Coordinating Center, your Coordinator can help you understand how these changes may affect you and connect you with additional resources.
