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Reyes warns Medicaid work requirements could lead to coverage losses for Bronx residents
Summary
Assembly member Karina Reyes told Bronx Talk that a federal rule starting Jan. 1, 2027, requiring some Medicaid recipients to document work or training could cause people to lose benefits unless the state adds staff and navigation help; she called the administrative burden a likely barrier for seniors and limited-English residents.
On Bronx Talk, Assembly member Karina Reyes said a federal rule scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, that will require some Medicaid recipients to demonstrate work, school, caregiving or training activity could cause significant coverage losses in the Bronx unless the state acts to ease administrative demands.
"The Bronx has some of the highest Medicaid utilization rates in the city of New York and in the state, and this is definitely a challenge for many people," Reyes said. She warned that more frequent recertification and additional paperwork — she cited recertification every six months — will create hurdles for elderly residents and people with limited English proficiency.
The program host introduced the rule to the conversation: "Starting 01/01/2027, there is a new federal rule called work requirements for Medicaid coverage," noting the requirement to show work, school or community participation to keep coverage. Reyes said state-level responses will be needed to provide staff and resources to help people navigate the changes.
Reyes also said the Essential Plan faces a fiscal cliff because of federal funding changes and that about 450,000 people could fall off the program, as described in the interview. She characterized the administrative design of work requirements as a disincentive that could cause people to "just fall off."
