Medicaid Work Requirements in Maine
Starting January 1, 2027, MaineCare Expansion adults must meet new work requirements to get or keep MaineCare. Current members see the change at their 2027 renewal, beginning in March 2027, and then move to 6-month renewals.
When it starts in Maine
- August 19, 2026: the Office for Family Independence began sending letters and text messages to MaineCare Expansion adults.
- January 1, 2027: the requirement starts for new applicants.
- March 2027: renewals for current members begin to include the requirement.
Who has to meet it
The rule applies to people ages 19 to 64 in the Medicaid adult expansion group, unless they are pregnant, have Medicare, or are exempt. You meet it in a month with 80 hours of work, community service, a work program, or school (in any mix), by going to school at least half-time, or with at least $580 in monthly income.
You are exempt if, for example, you care for a child 13 or younger or a person with a disability, are pregnant or postpartum, are American Indian or Alaska Native, are medically frail, are a veteran with a total (100%) VA disability rating or TDIU, were in foster care at 18 and are under 26, are in drug or alcohol treatment, meet SNAP or TANF work rules, or left jail or prison in the last 3 months. See the full exemption list.
Court ruling, October 29, 2026. In Massachusetts v. Oz, a federal court struck down the CMS rule's extra "significantly impairs" test for the medically frail exemption. If you are in any of the five medically frail groups in the law, you qualify. Maine was one of the parties that sued, so the court also gave Maine six months of relief from federal enforcement of its medically frail decisions while it updates its systems. The January 1, 2027 start date did not change, and CMS may appeal. What the ruling means.
How Maine checks and how to report
Months checked: At least one calendar month since your last renewal (DHHS partner materials).
Maine has not described a separate way to report hours. Manage your case through My Maine Connection and call the eligibility line with questions.
Other things to know in Maine
- Ways to meet the rule: earn at least $580 from paid work, or do 80 hours a month of work, school or training, a work program, volunteering, or a mix.
Official tools and contacts
- Report and upload: My Maine Connection
- MaineCare Member Services (TTY 711): 1-800-977-6740
- Office for Family Independence (eligibility): 1-855-797-4357
- Maine DHHS: work requirements for MaineCare Expansion adults
- Maine DHHS: federal changes to MaineCare eligibility
- Agency: Maine DHHS, Office of MaineCare Services and Office for Family Independence
Federal protections that apply in Maine
- The state must check its own records before asking you for proof.
- If it can't confirm you meet the rule, you get a notice and at least 30 days to respond, and your coverage continues meanwhile.
- You get written notice and the right to a fair hearing before coverage ends, and you can reapply at any time.
- If you lose Medicaid for not meeting the rule, you cannot get marketplace premium tax credits for those months. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
When do Medicaid work requirements start in Maine?
January 1, 2027 (renewals from March 2027). Current members are usually checked at their first renewal on or after that date.
How many months does Maine check?
At least one calendar month since your last renewal (DHHS partner materials).
How do I report my hours or an exemption in Maine?
Maine has not described a separate way to report hours. Manage your case through My Maine Connection and call the eligibility line with questions.
Who do I call about MaineCare work requirements?
MaineCare Member Services (TTY 711): 1-800-977-6740
Office for Family Independence (eligibility): 1-855-797-4357
Can I lose MaineCare right away if I don't meet the requirement?
No. Federal law requires a notice, at least 30 days to show you comply or are exempt, continued coverage during that time, and fair hearing rights before coverage ends.
Sources
- Maine DHHS: work requirements for MaineCare Expansion adults
- Maine OMS: 2027 MaineCare eligibility changes (Aug. 21, 2026)
- Maine OMS: contact us
- Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1), sec. 71119: community engagement requirement (GovInfo)
- CMS interim final rule, Medicaid community engagement requirement, 91 FR 33348 (June 3, 2026)
- Massachusetts v. Oz, No. 1:26-cv-12962-RGS (D. Mass.), memorandum and order (Oct. 29, 2026)