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Starting in late 2026 and continuing into 2027, a new federal law is changing some of the rules for Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance).
No matter what happens with these changes, Urban Health Plan will always be here for you. Every patient is welcome, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Here is what’s changing, what you need to do, and how we can help.
Starting January 1, 2027, some people with Medicaid will need to show that they are working, in school, volunteering, or in a job training program in order to keep their coverage. This mainly affects adults who became eligible for Medicaid through New York's expanded coverage option.
You may also start seeing more frequent check-ins from Medicaid, including address checks and more regular renewal notices. It's more important than ever not to ignore mail from Medicaid or NY State of Health.
The single most important step: Know your renewal date and recertify as soon as your window opens. You can begin the recertification process up to 45 days before your renewal due date. If your renewal falls before the end of 2026, completing it during that window will keep you covered through all of 2027 without needing to meet the new requirements immediately.
SNAP work requirements are also expanding. The age range affected is growing from 18-54 up to 18-64. Parents will only be automatically exempt from work requirements if they have a child under 14 (previously, the exemption applied for children under 18).
When | What Happens |
Late 2025 – early 2026 | Some SNAP work-requirement changes are already taking effect |
October 2026 | New cost-sharing rules for SNAP administration begin |
December 2026 – January 2027 | Medicaid work requirements and other eligibility changes begin |
Know your renewal date and recertify as soon as your window opens. (You can begin the recertification process up to 45 days before your renewal due date)
Double-check your address and phone number with HRA and NY State of Health. Missed mail is one of the most common reasons people lose coverage.
Open any notice you receive, even if you’re not sure what it means. Bring it to us or call; we can help you figure out what it’s asking for.
Urban Health Plan: Our own enrollment team can help you understand your options and renew your coverage. Call 718-589-4755 or click here to submit a request to connect with an Urban Health Plan Insurance Navigator.
ACCESS HRA: For SNAP and Cash Assistance applications and case management.
NY State of Health: For Medicaid and marketplace renewal.
Legal Aid Society Access to Benefits Helpline: 888-663-6880, for help if your case is denied or you need to request a fair hearing.
These changes can feel confusing, and we know many of our patients are worried. Our team will do everything we can to help you keep your coverage. And no matter what happens, you can always get care here at Urban Health Plan.