The main number
80
hours each month
Your state may ask for proof that you spent 80 hours in approved activities during the month.
Start here
The rule, in plain language.
Some adults with Medicaid may need to show 80 hours of work, school, training, or volunteering each month. The details can vary by state. Here is the simple version.
Who may this affect?
The rule is for some adults ages 19–64 who have Medicaid. It does not apply to everyone. Your state will decide what applies to your case.
What may count
Four ways to build your hours.
01
Work
Hours from a job may count when your state accepts them.
02
School
Classes and other educational activities may count.
03
Training
Workforce or vocational training may count in your state.
04
Volunteering
Time helping a group or community may count too.
There may be an income option.
Some people may meet the rule with income instead of hours. The amount shown in the current guidance is $580 a month. Ask your state Medicaid office if this option applies to you.
Timing matters
Know which month you are proving.
A lookback period means the state may look at an earlier month when it checks your hours. The exact timing can differ by state. Keep your records as you go so you are not trying to remember later.
Check your stateSome people may be exempt
- Parents, guardians, caretakers or family caregivers of a dependent child age 13 or younger, or of a disabled individual
- Pregnant and postpartum people (60 days after pregnancy, up to 12 months in some states)
- People who are medically frail
- People on Medicare Part A or B
- Former foster youth under 26
- American Indians and Alaska Natives
- Veterans with a 100% disability rating
- People in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- People in jail or released within the last 3 months
The rule only covers adults ages 19–64.
Hardship exemptions for hospital stays, disasters, and high-unemployment counties depend on the state. Check the State directory and ask your state Medicaid office.
After you log
Your record has a rhythm.
Every month
We review your entries and send a report showing the hours that were checked.
Every 6 months
Your state may check your status again. We help you keep the record ready.
A clear limit
We are not lawyers and we do not give legal or insurance advice. Rules can change, and state details can be different. For questions about your case, contact your state Medicaid office.