Ignoring ongoing covid paved the way for this change and put millions more in worse danger because of it. Mask up. Keep people developing debilitating long-term illness the government wants you to die from.
so this is still bad but the tweet omits a lot of information that can make people feel overly anxious. the summary of the rule can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-community-engagement-requirement-certain-individuals-interim-final-rule-comment-period-cms
you don't have to prove it every month (unless your state fucking sucks): "States must verify compliance of applicable individuals at application, at renewal, and—at state option—at more frequent periodic intervals. "
there's a "medical frailty" exemption that "encompasses anyone with a serious medical condition or a disability that significantly impairs their ability to live or comply with the requirements." downside: what actually counts will depend on your state
its not an 80 hr paid work requirement, the 80 hrs can include school hours and volunteer work OR you can meet the minimum earnings of 80*minimum wage aka ~$580 per month (so if you have an above min wage part time job, you don't have to fight for 80 hrs to still qualify)
most importantly, this is an Interim Rule THAT IS STILL OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT UNTIL July 31, 2026! YOU CAN COMPLAIN DIRECTLY TO THE AGENCY HERE (anonymously, too): https://www.regulations.gov/docket/CMS-2026-2047/document?withinCommentPeriod=true
will a comment actually do anything? I don't know. But agencies are legally required to review them, so SOMEONE in the agency has to at least read it.
the full regulations along with comment guidelines can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/03/2026-11094/medicaid-program-community-engagement-requirement-for-certain-individuals#h-24
