08/27/2026
📢 Medicaid Update: What You Need to Know
Many of you have received a postcard from VT Health Connect about upcoming changes to VT Medicaid. We've heard from quite a few community members who are worried about how this might affect them.
We want to help ease those worries, so here's the rundown! 👇
📝 Starting in 2027, some Vermonters will need to show they've met work, volunteering, community service, and/or education hours to apply for or renew their Medicaid.
You meet these requirements if:
🌸Your household got at least $580 in income in a month.
🌸You were enrolled as a student at least half-time.
🌸You did at least 80 hours a month of these activities:
•Work or self-employment
•Community service
•Education or work programs (including GED programs)
•You can combine hours from different activities to reach 80.
You're likely exempt if you:
☀️ Are under 19 or 65+
☀️ Are pregnant or in postpartum Medicaid coverage (up to 12 months after)
☀️ Are on Medicare or eligible for it
☀️ Are a former foster youth, currently age 19–26
☀️ Are American Indian or Alaska Native
☀️ Are a parent/caregiver of a child under 14
☀️ Are a veteran with a total VA disability rating
☀️ Already meet 3SquaresVT or Reach Up work requirements
☀️ Are in a drug or alcohol treatment program
☀️ Are currently incarcerated, or were within the past 4 months
☀️ Are a family caregiver for someone with a disability
☀️ Have a health condition that limits your ability to meet these requirements, and you:
• Are blind or disabled
• Have a substance use disorder
• Have a disabling mental health condition
• Have a serious or complex medical condition
• Have a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that impacts daily activities
Don't see yourself on this list? Don't worry, there may be other exemptions the State can help you sort through.
🔗 Want to check your own situation? The State of Vermont has a helpful screening tool here:
https://dvha.vermont.gov/medicaid-changes/how-to-meet-medicaid-work-requirements
📞 As always, we're just a phone call away. If you have questions or need a hand, give us a call at 802-885-1616, we are always here to help!
**Disclaimer** This information is accurate at the time of this post. We do not know if anything will change, but these are the requirements and exemptions as of today.
Beginning in 2027, some Vermonters will need to show they have met work, volunteering, community service, and/or education hours to apply for or renew their Medicaid. These are called Medicaid Work Requirements, but may also be referred to as Community Engagement. Wondering if the requirements apply...
