Medicaid Work Requirements in Virginia

Beginning January 1, 2027, some Virginia Medicaid Expansion members ages 19 to 64 must meet a work requirement. Renewals scheduled for March 31, 2027 or later are checked, and renewals move to every 6 months.

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

Jan 1, 2027

Start date · renewals from March 31, 2027

80 hrs or $580

per month, or half-time school

Cardinal Care

Medicaid Expansion

1-855-242-8282

Cover Virginia (TDD/TTY 1-888-221-1590)

Check your situation in Virginia

When it starts in Virginia

Late August – September 2026: DMAS mailed letters to current members.
January 1, 2027: the requirement starts.
March 31, 2027: the first renewals checked for the requirement.
2028: DMAS says additional requirements apply.

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

Months checked: Checked at renewal. DMAS says the information you put on your application or renewal will usually be all you need.

Answer the questions on your application or renewal. Keep your contact details current on CommonHelp or by calling Cover Virginia. DMAS contacts you only if it needs more.

Other things to know in Virginia

DMAS says it will use the information it has to decide eligibility automatically whenever possible.
Exemptions include former foster youth through age 25 and members of federally recognized tribes.

Official tools and contacts

Report and upload: CommonHelp
Cover Virginia (TDD/TTY 1-888-221-1590): 1-855-242-8282
DMAS: federal work requirements
DMAS: member letter, toolkit and FAQs
Agency: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

Federal protections that apply in Virginia

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 Virginia?

January 1, 2027 (renewals from March 31, 2027). Current members are usually checked at their first renewal on or after that date.

How many months does Virginia check?

Checked at renewal. DMAS says the information you put on your application or renewal will usually be all you need.

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

Answer the questions on your application or renewal. Keep your contact details current on CommonHelp or by calling Cover Virginia. DMAS contacts you only if it needs more.

Who do I call about Cardinal Care work requirements?

Cover Virginia (TDD/TTY 1-888-221-1590): 1-855-242-8282

Can I lose Cardinal Care 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.