I was recently removed from Medicaid. Can I re-enroll?

Possibly. Many people were disenrolled during the post-pandemic unwinding process due to paperwork issues rather than actual changes in eligibility. You may be able to re-apply through your state Medicaid agency. If your income and household situation haven't changed significantly, you may still qualify.

How do I find out if my child qualifies for CHIP?

CHIP eligibility is based on your family's income and the number of people in your household. Income limits vary by state but are often higher than Medicaid limits for children. You can check eligibility and apply at InsureKidsNow.gov or through your state's Medicaid and CHIP agency.

What are the proposed work requirements in H.R. 1 and who would they affect?

Under proposals currently being debated, certain Medicaid enrollees — generally non-elderly, non-pregnant adults without disabilities — could be required to document a minimum number of hours of work, job training, or community service each month to maintain coverage. These rules have not yet become law, and the final details could change as the legislation moves through the Senate.

What if I live in a state that didn't expand Medicaid?

In states that did not adopt the ACA Medicaid expansion, income limits for adult coverage are often much lower. However, children and pregnant women may still qualify under existing CHIP and Medicaid rules. If you fall into the coverage gap — earning too much for Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies — you may want to check with a local navigator or enrollment counselor about your options.

Where can I apply for Medicaid or CHIP?

You can apply through your state Medicaid agency, at HealthCare.gov, through Benefits.gov, or in person at a local Department of Social Services office. In many states, you can also apply by phone. Applications are free, and in most states there is no waiting period for children who qualify.

Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Is Falling — And Proposed Federal Cuts Could Make It Worse

A new tracking tool released by Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families is painting a clear picture of what's happening to health coverage for low-income Americans: enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is going down. And with Congress considering significant cuts to these programs under H.R. 1 — sometimes called the "Big Beautiful Bill" — advocates and health policy researchers are warning that millions more people could lose access to care.

If you or someone in your family relies on Medicaid or CHIP, or if you think you might qualify but haven't applied, here's what you need to know right now.

<h2>What the Georgetown Tracker Shows</h2>

Georgetown's state-by-state tracker pulls together enrollment data across all 50 states, letting researchers and the public see exactly where coverage is rising or falling. The data shows a broad decline in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment that has been building since the end of the COVID-era continuous enrollment protections. During the pandemic, states were required to keep people enrolled in Medicaid regardless of changes in income or circumstances. Once that requirement ended in early 2023, states began a process called "unwinding" — redetermining eligibility for all enrollees. Millions of people have been disenrolled, in many cases due to paperwork problems rather than actual ineligibility.

The tracker makes it possible to see how individual states are handling this process and how many people are losing coverage month by month. The numbers are significant. Across the country, total Medicaid and CHIP enrollment has dropped by tens of millions from its pandemic peak, and the pace of decline has not fully stopped.

<h2>What H.R. 1 Could Mean for Coverage</h2>

On top of the enrollment losses already underway, Congress is debating legislation that could cut federal Medicaid funding significantly. H.R. 1, which passed the House and is being considered in the Senate, includes proposals that could reduce federal matching funds to states, add new work reporting requirements for certain Medicaid enrollees, and limit the ability of states to fund their Medicaid programs through provider taxes. Health policy analysts at organizations like the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities have estimated that these changes could result in millions of additional people losing Medicaid coverage over the next decade.

Work requirements in particular have drawn attention. Under these proposals, certain adult Medicaid enrollees — generally those who are not elderly, pregnant, or living with a disability — could be required to report a minimum number of hours worked, volunteered, or spent in job training each month. Failure to meet the reporting requirement could result in losing coverage, even for people who are technically employed but work irregular hours or have difficulty navigating documentation requirements.

States would also have less flexibility to structure their Medicaid financing, which could force some states to cut enrollment, reduce benefits, or both.

<h2>Who May Be Eligible for Medicaid Right Now</h2>

Even with declining enrollment, Medicaid remains one of the largest health coverage programs in the country, and many people who are eligible have not enrolled. Federal law sets minimum eligibility standards, but states have the option to expand coverage further. In states that adopted the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify — that's roughly $20,700 per year for a single person or about $35,200 for a family of three in 2025.

Groups that may qualify for Medicaid include: <ul> <li>Low-income adults in expansion states who meet income limits</li> <li>Children in families with limited income, in all 50 states</li> <li>Pregnant women, who often qualify at higher income levels than other adults</li> <li>Elderly individuals with limited income and assets</li> <li>People with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or meet other criteria</li> <li>Parents and caretaker relatives of minor children in many states</li> </ul>

If you were recently disenrolled from Medicaid, you may still qualify and may be able to re-enroll. Many people were removed during the unwinding process because they missed a renewal notice, had an outdated address on file, or didn't return paperwork on time — not because their income or circumstances actually changed.

<h2>What Is CHIP and Who Does It Cover?</h2>

CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — covers children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still struggle to afford private insurance. Every state offers CHIP, though income limits and benefit structures vary. In many states, children in families earning up to 200, 250, or even 300 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible. Some states also offer CHIP coverage to pregnant women.

CHIP typically covers doctor visits, immunizations, hospital care, dental care, vision care, and prescription drugs. Premiums and cost-sharing are generally low, and in many states there are none at all for lower-income families.

If your child doesn't have health insurance and you're not sure whether they'd qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, applying costs nothing and takes only a short time. You can apply through your state Medicaid agency, through HealthCare.gov, or through Benefits.gov.

<h2>Steps You Can Take Right Now</h2>

Given what's happening with enrollment and what may be coming with federal legislation, there are a few practical steps worth considering:

Check your enrollment status. If you're currently enrolled in Medicaid, make sure your state has your current mailing address and contact information. Renewal notices sent to outdated addresses are one of the most common reasons people lose coverage unnecessarily.

Respond to any mail from your state Medicaid agency. If you receive a renewal form or a request for documentation, respond as quickly as possible. Missing a deadline can result in losing coverage, even temporarily.

Apply if you think you might qualify. Many people who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP haven't enrolled. If your income is limited and you don't have health insurance, it's worth checking your eligibility. Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or in person at your local Medicaid office.

Look into marketplace coverage if you don't qualify for Medicaid. If your income is above the Medicaid limit, you may qualify for subsidized coverage through the ACA marketplace. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for plans with very low monthly premiums.

Eligibility requirements and benefit amounts vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid agency or visit Medicaid.gov for information specific to where you live.

Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Is Falling — And Proposed Federal Cuts Could Make It Worse

Key Takeaways

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

I was recently removed from Medicaid. Can I re-enroll?

How do I find out if my child qualifies for CHIP?

What are the proposed work requirements in H.R. 1 and who would they affect?

What if I live in a state that didn't expand Medicaid?

Where can I apply for Medicaid or CHIP?

Stay Informed on Benefits Updates

Related Articles

Medicaid Work Requirements and Six-Month Redeterminations: What the OBBBA Could Mean for Your Coverage

Idaho governor signs bill for Medicaid expansion work requirements by 2027 - Idaho Capital Sun

Medicaid Work Requirements 2026: What They Are, Who's Affected, and How to Protect Your Coverage

Idaho Medicaid Work Requirements: What the 2027 Deadline Means for Your Coverage