Feature
Work Requirements, Health Risks
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By
February 11, 2026
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7 min
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1
Lori Kelley struggles with vision loss affecting job stability.
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2
New Medicaid rules will require work or volunteer efforts to retain coverage.
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3
The changes could disproportionately affect older women.
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4
Critics warn this may worsen health issues for those unable to comply.
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5
20 million Americans are projected to be impacted by these rules.
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Lori Kelley, a 59-year-old from North Carolina, faces significant challenges with her deteriorating vision, which hampers her ability to work consistently and raised concerns about losing her Medicaid coverage due to new work requirements. These changes, effective next January, will impact approximately 20 million low-income Americans, particularly older women who may struggle to meet the demands due to caregiving roles or health issues. Critics argue that the requirements could lead to adverse health and financial consequences for vulnerable populations.
-
1
Lori Kelley struggles with vision loss affecting job stability.
-
2
New Medicaid rules will require work or volunteer efforts to retain coverage.
-
3
The changes could disproportionately affect older women.
-
4
Critics warn this may worsen health issues for those unable to comply.
-
5
20 million Americans are projected to be impacted by these rules.
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