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.

Medicaid Changes

What You Need to Know About Federal Policy Changes to Medicaid

Public Law 119 – 21 introduced changes to Medicaid eligibility for non-citizens, taking effect October 1, 2026. It also introduces new Work and Community Engagement Requirement for certain adults. This provision, set to take effect no later than January 1, 2027, requires some non-exempt Medicaid individuals ages 19-64 to demonstrate ongoing participation in work or community activities as a condition of eligibility.

This change will require new eligibility, reporting, and administrative requirements to Medicaid that will affect thousands of individuals in Cuyahoga County.

What This Means for Individuals and How to Stay Informed

• Certain non-pregnant adults between the ages 19 – 64 who are enrolled in Medicaid group VIII coverage will now be required to meet Community Engagement Activity (MCEA) work or qualifying activities requirements.
• Shorter renewal periods may mean households need to update information more frequently.
• Check back regularly for implementation updates and detailed guidance.

For more detailed information on the changes to Medicaid and resources on how to meet the MCEA work requirements or to find out if you qualify for an exemption, visit the Cuyahoga County Medicaid Access Team page.

Medicaid Changes - Key Dates

• December 8, 2025 – The Center Medicare and Medicaid Services released preliminary guidance and an informational bulletin.
• June 1, 2026 - Interim Final Rule for the Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement is published. The public comment period closed on July 31, 2026. Cuyahoga County submitted comments.
• October 1, 2026 – Full Medicaid eligible non citizen restrictions for Medicaid begin.
• January 1, 2027 – the MCEA work requirements start for the Group VIII expansion population. A reduction in retroactive Medicaid coverage begins, and the new six month renewal cycle goes into effect for the expansion population

Cuyahoga County Hunger Response Team

Signed into law on July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1 of the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation introduces new eligibility, reporting, and administrative requirements that will affect thousands of families in Cuyahoga County.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Changes

What You Need to Know About Federal Policy Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Public Law 119 – 21 introduces new eligibility, reporting, and administrative requirements to SNAP that will affect thousands of families in Cuyahoga County. These changes may impact on eligibility, work requirements and administrative processes for SNAP. This information is a clear, at a glance timeline overview so residents, community partners, and staff can prepare.

SNAP Changes - Key Dates

• November 1, 2025 - New restrictions on SNAP eligibility for non citizens.
• March 1, 2026 - Work requirements begin for identified groups of SNAP recipients.
• October 1, 2026 - Federal administrative funding is reduced for SNAP.

What This Means for Households and How to Stay Informed

• Some individuals’ eligibility may be impacted or may need to meet new work requirements.
• Check back regularly for implementation updates and detailed guidance.

For more detailed information on the changes to SNAP and resources on how to meet the SNAP work requirements or to find out if you qualify for an exemption, visit the Hunger Response Team page.