Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirements

Overview 

Important changes to federal rules will affect some adults ages 19-64 who get Alaska Medicaid starting this January 2027. This means that some people with Medicaid must work, go to school, go to a training program, or volunteer to keep their coverage.

Sign up for updates: get official updates from the Alaska Department of Health about HR-1 changes affecting Medicaid and SNAP, including eligibility requirements, community engagement rules, reporting expectations, and important deadlines.

Who do these changes apply to? 

Certain people and children are exempt from Work and Community Engagement requirements.

What can I do now? 

• If you get a form or letter, read it and reply by the date shown to avoid losing your Medicaid coverage and access to health care.
• Make sure your contact information is up to date. Be sure to update your mailing address, email address, and phone number with the Division of Public Assistance.

You are likely not affected if you:

Are pregnant or within the postpartum coverage period

Are Alaska Native or American Indian

Are medically frail, like having a significant physical, intellectual, or developmental disability, are blind, or have a serious complex medical condition

Are experiencing a substance use condition

Are enrolled in Medicare

A veteran with a total disability rating

A parent/caregiver for a child under age 14 or someone with a disability

Have been recently incarcerated (within 90 days)

Are under age 26 and formerly in foster care

Meet SNAP or TANF work requirements

Additional exemptions for Alaska:

Living in an area with high unemployment: 
Unemployment rate 6.45% or above

Living in a federally declared disaster area:
Affected by a disaster

Receiving inpatient or residential care:
In hospital or care facility

Traveling for medically necessary care not available locally:
Getting care outside your area

For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Medicaid.

Resources