Cook County Health joined State officials and Cook County leaders on August 23rd to mark 100 days until federal Medicaid eligibility cuts take effect, urging enrollees to stay engaged with care and stay informed about the upcoming changes. Beginning in 2027, due to provisions in the federal budget bill H.R.1, some Medicaid enrollees will have to:

• Show that they work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month or attend school at least part time; or have an income of at least $580 per month; AND

• Renew their Medicaid every 6 months (instead of every 12 months)

These new requirements will impact enrollees who are eligible for Medicaid as a result of Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion, also known as “ACA adults.” ACA adults are 1) between the ages of 19-64, 2) do not also have Medicare, and 3) have no dependent children living at home. Cook County Health and CountyCare, the health system’s Medicaid-managed care plan, have been working to educate enrollees and the community about the upcoming changes via community meetings with local leaders, interactive online discussions, and public redetermination events available to all Medicaid members. Cook County Health has launched a website for patients and residents with a consolidated resource list for free and low-cost healthcare information, food, housing and immigration resources. That site is located at cookcountyhealth.org/resources.