Medicaid Community Engagement (H.R.1)
What Medicaid members and partners need to know about upcoming changes
Overview
The federal government is making changes to Alaska Medicaid. If you are between the ages of 19-64, the new law may impact your Medicaid health coverage starting this January 2027.
This page explains:
- What the new requirements are
- Who may be affected
- Who will not be affected
- When changes may take effect
- What Medicaid members and partners should do to prepare
Who do these changes apply to?
If you are between the ages of 19-64, a new federal law may impact your Medicaid health coverage starting January 2027, the federal government is making changes to Alaska Medicaid.
You are likely not affected if you are:
- Alaska Native or American Indian and qualify for services through the Indian Health Service (IHS)
- Have a confirmed disability by a state Disability Determination vendor
- A parent, guardian, or caregiver of a person of any age with a disability
- A child (0 to 18)
- An adult age 65 or older
- A qualified member who is pregnant or was pregnant in the last 12 months
- Enrolled in long-term services and supports (LTSS) or buy-in programs
- Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Administration (SSA) income, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security Retirement (SSR)
- Foster youth or former foster youth age 0 – 26
To keep Alaska Medicaid coverage, you may need to:
- Work, attend school, or volunteer
- Renew your coverage every 6 months
What can I do now?
- Make sure your contact information is up to date
- If these new rules apply to you, we will contact you directly
Why this matters
This federal law may change how some people qualify for Medicaid coverage.
These changes could affect:
- Current Medicaid members
- People applying for Medicaid
- Community organizations that help people enroll or renew coverage
- Health care providers and social service partners
Understanding these changes will help people keep their health care coverage.
What you should do
If you have Medicaid
- Continue using your health coverage as usual
- Make sure Alaska Medicaid (or the Division of Public Assistance) has your current cell phone number, mailing address, and email
- Sign up for updates using text messages, email, or regular mail from DPA and respond in the time frame that is required
If you help others access Medicaid or bill Medicaid
- Share updates with clients and community members
- Monitor this page for guidance and implementation timelines
If you are a provider or partner organization
- Prepare to support patients and clients with understanding the new requirements
- Review training or resources that may be provided by the state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is H.R.1?
What is H.R.1?
HR1 is a federal law that includes changes to several public programs, including Medicaid. Some provisions introduce work or activity requirements for certain Medicaid enrollees
Who will need to meet work requirements?
Who will need to meet work requirements?
Not all Medicaid members will be affected. The requirements may apply to certain people enrolled in Medicaid, depending on federal guidance and state implementation rules.
More information will be shared as details become available.
When will these changes take effect?
When will these changes take effect?
Implementation timelines are still being determined. The Alaska Department of Health will provide updates as federal guidance becomes available.
What activities count toward the requirement?
What activities count toward the requirement?
Qualifying activities may include:
- Employment
- Job training programs
- Education
- Volunteer work
- Other approved activities
The final list of approved activities will be announced once federal rules are finalized.
Will some people be exempt?
Will some people be exempt?
Yes. Federal law typically includes exemptions for some individuals, such as:
- Alaska Native and American Indian people
- People with disabilities
- Caregivers
- Pregnant women
- Others with qualifying circumstances
More details will be available once guidance is finalized.
What happens if someone does not meet the requirement?
What happens if someone does not meet the requirement?
Federal law may require states to review eligibility and end coverage if required activities are not completed or reported.
DPA will provide clear instructions before any changes affect coverage.
Who qualifies under the Long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs?
Who qualifies under the Long-term services and supports (LTSS) programs?
- Brain Injury Waiver (BI)
- Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS)
- Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver (CIH)
- Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD)
- Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD)
- Supported Living Services Waiver (SLS) Programs for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)