MEDIA CONTACT
Collin Spilinek, (531) 739-7920,
collin.spilinek@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – On May 1, Nebraska became the first state in the nation to implement Medicaid work requirements for Medicaid expansion members, in accordance with H.R. 1, passed by the U.S. Congress last year.
Under the new requirements, expansion members must complete qualifying work-related activities, including community volunteer service, to maintain or obtain Medicaid coverage unless they qualify for an exemption.
To support Nebraskans in meeting these requirements, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched its first community partnerships with SHARE Omaha and United Way of the Midlands; Lincoln and Lancaster County; Dodge and Washington Counties; and South Central Nebraska.
These initial partnerships aim to help connect individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities and mark the beginning of a broader statewide collaboration strategy. DHHS is actively engaging organizations across Nebraska and encourages interested partners to connect. The Department expects to announce additional community-based partners. More information can be found at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Community-Service-Resources.aspx.
United Way brings extensive experience, convening employers, nonprofit organizations, training providers, and community leaders to address community needs. Its established networks, trusted presence, and data-informed approach will help efficiently connect individuals with volunteer opportunities that benefit both participants and their communities.
“This partnership connects expansion members with opportunities to volunteer, strengthen their community, and remain in compliance with federal requirements," said Shawna Forsberg, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “We're also proud to work alongside a broad network of nonprofit organizations, sharing information and providing access to volunteer engagement resources to create even greater impact."
SHARE Omaha serves as a trusted hub that connects nonprofits, companies, and community members to do good through volunteerism and giving.
“SHARE Omaha is proud to help all in our community connect with meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the Omaha metro area," said Teresa Mardesen, Executive Director of SHARE Omaha. “We celebrate every act of generosity that strengthens our area's wellbeing."
According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering has been associated with a range of benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental and physical health outcomes, increased life satisfaction, and stronger social connections. It can also support workforce readiness by helping individuals build skills and expand professional networks.
“We deeply appreciate the partnership and commitment of United Way and SHARE Omaha in helping Medicaid expansion members access meaningful volunteer opportunities," said Drew Gonshorowski, Director of the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care. “We also encourage additional community organizations across Nebraska to partner with DHHS in this effort."
DHHS anticipates expanding this network of partners statewide, building on these initial collaborations to ensure broad access to volunteer opportunities across Nebraska.
Organizations that can help connect Medicaid members and applicants with volunteer opportunities in their community and are interested in partnering with DHHS are encouraged to email DHHS.MedicaidCommunications@nebraska.gov.
Although the requirements took effect May 1, implementation will occur gradually and will not apply to all expansion members immediately. Reviews will take place during each member's regularly scheduled Medicaid renewal period. Members with renewal dates in May or June 2026 will not be subject to the requirements at that time. The first group of existing members affected will be those with eligibility periods ending July 31, 2026, with phased implementation continuing through June 2027. Existing members must demonstrate at least one month of compliance with work requirements since their most recent renewal or initial eligibility determination or most recent renewal.
DHHS has conducted extensive outreach to inform Medicaid expansion members of these changes, including more than 75,000 mailed notices, 38,000 text messages, and 10,000 emails. Since January 1, newly enrolled members have also received ongoing monthly communications, averaging 4,000 mailed notices, 2,000 text messages, and 400 emails per month. Additional outreach has included television, radio, and social media campaigns.
Medicaid members may not need to take immediate action regarding the new requirements, but they should continue to report any changes that could affect eligibility. If DHHS is unable to verify compliance with work requirements, members will receive a notice requesting additional information.
More information is available on the Medicaid Work Requirements webpage at https://dhhs.ne.gov/WorkRequirements, including details on exemptions, temporary hardship provisions, medically frail classifications, and resources for finding employment or volunteer opportunities.