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Cuyahoga County Medicaid Access Team
Starting January 1, 2027, federal law 119 – 21 will affect some adults who receive Medicaid under the Group VIII or the expansion category of the program. This law change will require individuals to show they are working or taking part in approved community activities to keep Group VIII Medicaid coverage. This new rule is called the Medicaid Community Engagement Activity (MCEA) work requirement.
Questions about the MCEA Changes?
Call the Medicaid Consumer Hotline
800-324-8680 (TTY 711)
What Customers Should Know
- Certain adults, 19 - 64-year-olds, must now meet a new monthly work requirement to qualify for Medicaid and keep their coverage.
- Adults impacted by this new requirement must complete at least 80 hours each month of work or other approved activities.
- The hours can come from any combination of work, education, certain job training, and community service, if the monthly total adds up to 80 hours or more.
- The new requirement doesn't apply to all adults and some exemptions may apply.
Some individuals will be exempt from the qualifying activities, including:
- Parent, guardian, caretaker relative, or family caretaker of:
- A dependent child under age 14
- A disabled individual (including an individual in another household if the care provided is significant)
- Current or former foster youth under age 26
- Veteran rated as fully disabled due to service-connected conditions
- Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program
- Pregnant or entitled to postpartum medical assistance
- Incarcerated or recently released from incarceration
- Native American eligible for the Indian Health Service
- Individual with a health condition that prevents work, including:
- Blindness or disability as defined by the Social Security Administration
- Substance use disorder
- Disabling mental disorder
- Physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that significantly limits activities of daily living
- Serious or complex medical condition
- Individual who meets the SNAP or TANF work requirements
If a Customer is a Non-citizen
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) issued guidance on new Medicaid eligibility standards for non-citizens. Informational materials have been developed to help community partners educate residents and help residents understand the changes and how to access the medical support they need.
Medicaid for Non-Citizens (English) flyer
As a supplement to the Medicaid for Non-Citizens flyer, refer to the Changes to Medicaid Eligibility for Non-Citizens Questions and Answers.
Act! What Customers Should Do – 7 Easy Steps
Stay informed and keep your case up-to-date to prevent disruption of benefits. Not completing case management requirements may delay issuance of benefits.
- Make timely updates to contact information.
- Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to apply online and manage your case. Be aware of benefit changes and available support.
- Submit verifications requested on time.
- Use the document upload on the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal.
- Use the document upload feature on the Eligibility Contact Center.
- Don’t miss your interview appointments and submit complete applications.
- Sign up for text alerts.
Medicaid Fact Sheet
Other Important Medicaid Information
Medicaid Changes: What You Need to Know
Press conference with local leaders and community partners on September 14, 2026