The Bronx Safety-Net Alliance – Medicaid is changing. We can help.

What's changing

Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19 to 64 with Medicaid will need to show they work, go to school, train for a job, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month, or earn at least $580 a month (a mix of both also counts). These work requirements are reviewed when you apply or renew. Some adults ages 19 to 64 will also need to renew their Medicaid every six months. If you apply before January 1, 2027, or renew before March 1, 2027, you get 12 months of coverage first.

Some people will not have to meet the work requirements (the State calls these exceptions), including parents and caregivers of children under 14, people who are pregnant or were pregnant in the last 12 months, people enrolled in Medicaid with a disability, people with a health condition that makes it hard to work, and adults 65 and older.

Not sure if the work requirements apply to you? Take NY State of Health’s short questionnaire.

Not sure if you have Medicaid? Your insurance card may show a company name instead of “Medicaid.” Companies that offer Medicaid plans in NYC include Affinity by Molina Healthcare, Amida Care, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP, EmblemHealth Enhanced Care, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst, MetroPlus Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and VNS Choice SNP. If you’re not sure, call the Member Services number on your card.

Now is the time to get ready.

What to do now

Update your contact information

Update your contact information with NY State of Health (or HRA, if that is where you enrolled) so you don’t miss important notices.

Open your mail

Read any letters, texts, or emails from NY State of Health or your health plan.

Renew on time

Know your renewal date and renew as soon as your window opens.

Get free help

A local organization can review your situation and help you prepare.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my Medicaid?

Nothing changes today, and many people already meet the new rules or will not have to meet them. We can help you find out.

Do the new rules apply to me?

They apply to some adults ages 19 to 64. Children, adults 65 and older, people who are pregnant, and many others are not affected. If they apply to you, NY State of Health sent you a notice by mail or email between August 14 and September 30, 2026. You can also take the State’s short questionnaire. Or request free help and we’ll review your situation with you.

What is the Bronx temporary exception?

Bronx residents may qualify for a temporary exception to the new work requirements, which means the rules may not apply to you for now. The State will let you know if it applies to you, and will share details on how it works in the coming weeks. Even with the exception, you still need to renew on time and keep your contact information up to date. The exception is for Medicaid only. It does not change SNAP rules. Questions? We can help.

I'm already working. Do I need to do anything?

Yes. Your job may count toward the work requirements, but you still need to renew on time. Keep your contact information current and open any notices so you can respond if the State asks for information.

Does it cost anything?

No. Help from Bronx Safety-Net Alliance partners is always free.

What about SNAP (food benefits)?

SNAP is changing too. SNAP work requirements now apply to more adults, ages 18 to 64. Select “SNAP (food benefits)” on the form and Food Bank For New York City, a Bronx Safety-Net Alliance partner, will follow up. If you also need help with Medicaid, choose Both.

I'm an immigrant. Is my coverage changing?

Since October 1, 2026, some refugees, asylees, parolees, and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may move from Medicaid to the Essential Plan, with the same benefits. Coverage for children and pregnant people does not change. You may still have options. Talk to one of our partners for free, confidential help.

How do I know if my health plan is Medicaid?

Your card may show a company name instead of “Medicaid.” Companies that offer Medicaid plans in NYC include Affinity by Molina Healthcare, Amida Care, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP, EmblemHealth Enhanced Care, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst, MetroPlus Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, and VNS Choice SNP. If you’re not sure, call the Member Services number on your card.

Where else can I get help?

NY State of Health: nystateofhealth.ny.gov or 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220), Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm.

You can also chat with NY State of Health on its website during those hours, or find an enrollment assistor for in-person help.