Community Connections Newsletter October 2026
Major Changes to Medicaid Eligibility
As of October 1, 2026, federal policy changes mean some immigrants are no longer eligible for Medicaid.
Refugees, asylees, survivors of trafficking over 21 years old, special immigrant juveniles, and individuals with bona fide VAWA petitions cannot get Medicaid after October 1. Other immigrants, including Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), certain Haitian and Cuban entrants, individuals from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau, and lawfully residing pregnant women and children under 21 will still be able to get Medicaid.
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults on Medicaid will have to show they are working or doing other approved activities to be eligible for Medicaid.
This rule will apply for adults aged 19-64 who get Medicaid Expansion, MAGI Adult, or Ribicoff Medicaid (common names for Group VIII Medicaid).
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Sierra Cooper Named Managing Attorney of Legal Aid’s Public Benefits Team | |Tax Chat: IRS Collections | Upcoming Clinics Offer Free Legal Help | October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
