Medicaid Work Requirements in Vermont

Vermont begins work requirements in 2027. New applicants from January 1, 2027 must show they met the rule in the month before applying, and current members are checked at renewals starting March 1, 2027.

Updated October 30, 2026 · Based on official sources listed below · How we research

Jan 1, 2027

Start date · renewals from March 1, 2027

80 hrs or $580

per month, or half-time school

Vermont Medicaid

Medicaid expansion adults

1-855-899-9600

DVHA Customer Service (Mon–Fri, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Relay 711)

Check your situation in Vermont

When it starts in Vermont

Summer 2026: DVHA sent information to affected members ages 19 to 64.
January 1, 2027: the rule starts for new applicants.
March 1, 2027: renewals begin to include the requirement. After that, renewals are every 6 months.

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. Vermont was one of the parties that sued, so the court also gave Vermont 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 Vermont checks and how to report

Months checked: First 2027 renewal: DVHA looks back 12 months using information it already has. After that, a 6-month look-back at each 6-month renewal.

In 2027 you give an "auditable self-attestation," a signed statement the state can check later, at application or renewal. Your notice will give a due date.

Other things to know in Vermont

DVHA's screening tool does not ask for personal or log-in information and is not an application.

Official tools and contacts

Check if it applies: DVHA Medicaid Work Requirements Screening Tool
DVHA Customer Service (Mon–Fri, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Relay 711): 1-855-899-9600
DVHA: how to meet Medicaid work requirements
Agency: Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)

Federal protections that apply in Vermont

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 Vermont?

January 1, 2027 (renewals from March 1, 2027). Current members are usually checked at their first renewal on or after that date.

How many months does Vermont check?

First 2027 renewal: DVHA looks back 12 months using information it already has. After that, a 6-month look-back at each 6-month renewal.

How do I report my hours or an exemption in Vermont?

In 2027 you give an "auditable self-attestation," a signed statement the state can check later, at application or renewal. Your notice will give a due date.

Who do I call about Vermont Medicaid work requirements?

DVHA Customer Service (Mon–Fri, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Relay 711): 1-855-899-9600

Can I lose Vermont Medicaid 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.