Federal Changes to DC Medicaid Overview A new federal law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) was signed on July 4, 2025. This law changes some of the rules for DC Medicaid program members in Washington, DC. This webpage gives a simple overview of the changes and when they start.

Key Changes and When They Begin

Starting October 1, 2026

1. Changes on Noncitizen Eligibility

• Some people who are not U.S. citizens may no longer be able to get Medicaid. To read more about these changes, use this link.

Starting January 1, 2027

2. Work Requirements

• Most adults ages 19 to 64 who do not have dependent children must do at least 80 hours each month of work, training, volunteering, or similar activities to keep Medicaid. More online information on Medicaid work requirements is coming.

3. Renewal Every Six Months

• Most adults ages 19 to 64 without children must renew their Medicaid every 6 months instead of once a year.

4. Retroactive Medicaid (Past Medical Bills)

• Medicaid sometimes pays for medical bills from before you applied. The new rules change how far back that help can go:
  • Adults without children: Medicaid can only pay for bills from 1 month before you applied.
  • Everyone else (kids, parents, seniors): Medicaid can pay for bills from up to 2 months before you applied.

Starting January 1, 2028

5. Home Equity Limit for Long‑Term Care

• If you need long‑term care, the value of your home must be $1 million or less to qualify for Medicaid under the new rules.

How DC Medicaid Will Help You Stay Informed

DC Health Care Finance (DHCF) will share information in many ways:

• Virtual Meetings
  • Biweekly DHCF Eligibility Meetings are being held online every other Wednesday at 2:30 PM, use this link to join when each meeting starts on July 29; August 12 and 26; September 9 and 23; October 7 and 21; November 4 and 18; and December 2 and 16.
  • Resident Focused Eligibility Meetings are being held the last Friday of each month at 6:30 PM, use this link to join when each meetings starts on July 24; August 28; September 25; October 23; November 20; and December 18.
  • District Direct (DCAS) Trainings for Human Services Beneficiaries are being held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 12:30 pm, use this link to join when each meetings starts on July 21; August 18; September 15; October 20; November 17; and December 15.
• Community Events
• Mail, Email, Social Media and Word of Mouth
• You can also join the email list to get notices about upcoming meetings by emailing: [email protected]

What You Can Do Now

You can prepare for these changes by:

• Updating your address and contact information
  • Use District Direct, call 202‑727‑5355, or visit a Service Center.
• Checking your mail
  • DC will send important letters about your coverage.
• Taking action quickly
  • If it is time to renew your Medicaid, respond right away to avoid losing coverage.

Where to Go for More Information

• Visit District Direct: www.districtdirect.dc.gov.
• Call 202‑727‑5355.
• Join the email list: [email protected].
• Attend upcoming DHCF meetings.
• Visit a DC Service Center if you need help in person.