Medicaid Work Requirements & Exemptions
Work requirements are now in effect for adult Medicaid expansion members
What does that mean for Nebraska’s mothers and young families?
Medicaid work requirements were implemented in Nebraska on May 1, 2026, making us the first state in the nation to do so. This means current and new enrollees of Medicaid expansion must participate in work, approved work programs, community service, or educational activities for at least 80 hours per month, unless they qualify for an exemption. Individuals considered exempt from these work requirements include those experiencing “short-term hardships,” the medically frail, pregnant women and parents with children ages 13 and under.
Those who are pregnant or have young children in the home are exempt from work requirements
New applicants and current enrollees are exempt from work requirements if they are:
Pregnant
Postpartum (up to 12 months) and had Medicaid while pregnant
A parent or caretaker of a child age 13 and under
It is important that individuals take the necessary steps to confirm exemption in order to receive coverage.
How To Establish Work Requirement Exemption
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| Individuals who are applying for Medicaid and are pregnant or have dependents age 13 and under in the home must indicate this (including expected due date if pregnant) when completing the application in order to be exempt from work requirement activities. | Individuals currently enrolled in Medicaid who become pregnant must report this to DHHS in order to claim exemption. Applicants can declare changes in status to DHHS online through the iServe portal, by calling DHHS or by visiting a local DHHS office in person. This step is important as current enrollees will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must alert DHHS of any changes in status prior to renewal. Changes in status that could lead to exemption from work requirements should be reported to DHHS by July 30 to ensure they do not lose coverage. |
How To Establish Work Requirement Exemption
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Individuals who are applying for Medicaid and are pregnant or have dependents age 13 and under in the home must indicate this (including expected due date if pregnant) when completing the application in order to be exempt from work requirement activities.
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Individuals currently enrolled in Medicaid who become pregnant must report this to DHHS in order to claim exemption. Applicants can declare changes in status to DHHS online through the iServe portal, by calling DHHS or by visiting a local DHHS office in person. This step is important as current enrollees will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must alert DHHS of any changes in status prior to renewal. Changes in status that could lead to exemption from work requirements should be reported to DHHS by July 30 to ensure they do not lose coverage.
For more information on work requirements, exemption, eligibility categories and more, visit the Nebraska DHHS webpages below:
Work Requirements
Nebraska Medicaid Work Requirements FAQs
Medicaid Expansion in Nebraska
Learn about H.R.1 and its impact on Nebraska mothers and families. | Download PDF
Did you know?
- In Nebraska, 24,300 Medicaid expansion adults and 3,000 children are at risk of losing health care coverage due to Medicaid cuts
- Of all persons enrolled in Medicaid in Nebraska, 46% are children.
- Medicaid pays for 38% of all births in Nebraska and helps ensure access to prenatal, maternity and postpartum care.