There are many changes coming to Medicaid in 2027. Find out if the changes impact you.
6-month Medicaid renewals
Some adults must renew their Medicaid every six months starting in 2027. The state will check to see if they continue to qualify.
Who: Vermonters with Medicaid ages 19 - 64 who do not have Medicare.
What it will mean: If you are in this group, you will get a renewal application in the mail every six months instead of every 12 months. Open your mail from Vermont Health Connect and respond quickly.
Not impacted: These changes will not impact children and pregnant people on Dr. Dynasaur, people who are 65 years or older, or people who are younger than age 65 with a Social Security disability determination.
Medicaid work requirements
Some people will have Medicaid “work requirements” starting in 2027.
Who: Vermonters with Medicaid ages 19 - 64 who do not have Medicare.
Work requirements will not apply to everyone in this age group. Many people in this age group will be excluded from or meet an exception to the requirements.
What it will mean: If you are in this group and you do not meet an exception or exclusion, you must show household income of $580 or 80 hours of approved activities in one month (school, job search, volunteer) to keep Medicaid. This will start in 2027.
Not impacted: These changes will not impact:
- children and pregnant people on Dr. Dynasaur
- people who are 65 years or older
- people who are under age 65 and on Medicare due to disability
- parents and caretaker relatives with a child under age 19*.
*Parents will be exempt, excluded, or meet the work requirements. If a child is age 18, they must be in school full-time and expected to graduate by age 19.
Learn more on our website:
- What are Medicaid work requirements and do they apply to me?
- How can I meet the Medicaid work requirements?
Immigration changes
Fewer non-citizens will qualify for Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Program starting Oct. 1, 2026.
Who: Starting Oct. 1, 2026, only people with the following immigration statuses qualify for Medicaid:
- US Citizens
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)*
- COFA Migrants
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
Not impacted: The new law does not apply to Dr. Dynasaur (Medicaid) for pregnant people or children under 21. They are still eligible. Anyone with a lawful status can have Dr. Dynasaur.
*Some Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) must wait five years before they can get Medicaid. However, this waiting period is waived (does not apply) to many people who originally had a humanitarian-based immigration status before adjustment. Call the Office of the Health Care Advocate with questions: 1-800-917-7787.
What it will mean:
- Some non-citizens in Vermont will no longer qualify for Medicaid for Adults, Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled, Medicaid for Working People with Disabilities, and the Medicare Savings Programs.
- You may need to apply for financial help at a local hospital or health clinic. Learn more about financial assistance and low-cost care options in Vermont.
Learn more on our website:
