Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act

S 447, the "Jobs and Opportunities for Medicaid Act," would require most Medicaid recipients aged 18-65 (excluding those with medical exemptions, pregnant individuals, or primary caregivers for young children) to work or volunteer at least 20 hours per week to maintain coverage, starting January 1, 2026. This amendment to the Social Security Act creates a new work requirement for "able-bodied adults" under Medicaid, removing medical assistance for those who don’t meet the threshold. Exemptions cover individuals under 18 or over 65, those with medical certifications, pregnant people, primary caregivers for children under 6, and those in drug treatment programs. The bill directly affects working-age adults without qualifying exemptions who currently receive Medicaid. It represents a significant change to Medicaid eligibility rules for this specific group.