Nebraska's Medicaid work rules threaten coverage for thousands

Nebraska began implementing Medicaid work requirements, the first state to do so ahead of the federal deadline, potentially stripping coverage from about 25,000 expansion enrollees and affecting up to 72,000 Nebraskans. Enrollees must show 80 hours of work, volunteering, schooling, or apprenticeship each month, or qualify for exemptions such as pregnancy, parenting, disability, or medically frail conditions. New applicants must provide proof now; existing enrollees have until at least July. Reviews will occur every six months (up from annual), and advocates warn the process could disrupt care and leave many without coverage due to bureaucratic hurdles.