Maryland Medicaid Support Hub
Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and protecting your healthcare coverage. New federal law requires work documentation and more frequent renewals starting in 2026.
⚠️ Up to 160,000 Marylanders may lose health coverage. Learn what you need to do to keep your benefits.
Learn what you need to do to keep your Maryland Medicaid benefits & remain in compliance with the new federal law.
Stay Informed - Get Updates
Receive important alerts about deadlines and policy changes
How to Use This Resource Hub
📍 What This Hub Is
Your go-to resource for understanding Maryland's new Medicaid requirements. We break down complex federal laws into simple, actionable steps.
👥 Who It's For
- Current Medicaid recipients who need to stay covered
- Family caregivers helping loved ones
- Adults 50-64 facing work requirements
- Healthcare professionals assisting clients
🔍 What You'll Find
- Work requirements - 80 hours/month explained
- Renewal checklists - Required documents
- Exemptions - Who doesn't need to work
- Appeals - If you lose coverage unfairly
- Local help - In-person assistance
💡 Quick Tip: Choose a box below that matches your situation to get personalized guidance.
130,000+
Marylanders at risk of losing Medicaid
80 hours
Monthly work requirement for adults 19-64
Every 6 months
New renewal frequency (was annual)
What's Changing with Maryland Medicaid
5-Year Immigration Wait
§71109 RequiredWhat It Means:
5-year wait for Medicaid for new lawful immigrants. Most new green card holders must wait 5 years for Medicaid.
What to Do Now:
Know your immigration date
Simple Steps:
- Check your card
- Count 5 years
- Apply after that
Provider Funding Cuts
§71115, §71116 RequiredWhat It Means:
Cuts to provider funding (including Maryland). Some clinics may shorten hours, lay off staff, or close.
What to Do Now:
Stay alert for care changes
Simple Steps:
- Call your clinic if things change
- We can help you find new care
Six-Month Renewals
§71107 RequiredWhat It Means:
Medicaid eligibility will be redetermined every six months, rather than every twelve months. You could lose coverage if you miss paperwork midyear.
What to Do Now:
Note the six-month renewal deadlines on your calendar.
Simple Steps:
- Save your notices
- Send papers early
- Ask for help if unsure
$35 Copays
§71112 RequiredWhat It Means:
$35 copay for some services (100–138% of Federal Poverty Level). You may have to pay $35 for visits or prescriptions.
What to Do Now:
Ask if copays apply to your visits
Simple Steps:
- Call ahead
- Bring payment or ask for help
Retroactive Coverage
§71103 RequiredWhat It Means:
Retroactive coverage cut from 90 days to 30. Medicaid only pays for bills up to 30 days before you applied.
What to Do Now:
Apply as soon as you get care
Simple Steps:
- Don't wait
- Keep receipts
- Ask someone to help file if needed
Work or Community Engagement
§71119 RequiredWhat It Means:
80 hrs/month required for adults 19–55 (with exceptions). If you don't meet or report hours, your Medicaid could be paused or cut off.
What to Do Now:
Find out if you're exempt and how to report hours
Simple Steps:
- Keep track of work/volunteer time
- Report it monthly
- Ask for help
Nursing Home Staffing
§71111 RequiredWhat It Means:
Nursing home staffing rule delayed until 2035. Nursing homes may not have more staff for a decade.
What to Do Now:
Ask about current staffing where you live
Simple Steps:
- Ask "How many staff per shift?"
- Speak up if you're not getting care
Medicare Savings Program
§71101 RequiredWhat It Means:
Medicare Savings Program simplification blocked. Applying for help with Medicare Part B or D will still be hard.
What to Do Now:
See if you qualify anyway
Simple Steps:
- Call a helper
- Apply the old way
- Follow up
Get Help Based on Your Situation
Take Action Now
Need Immediate Help?
Call Maryland Medicaid at 1-855-642-8572 (TTY: 1-855-642-8573)
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST
H.R. 1 Medicaid Changes
Official Effective Date: October 1, 2025
⚠️ Critical Action Required
Use this time to understand new work requirements, gather required documents, and ensure your Medicaid coverage continues uninterrupted.