President Trump signed H.R. 1 into law in 2025, which created new federal requirements for most adults between the ages of 19-64 in order to keep Med-QUEST coverage. These new work and community engagement requirements take effect January 1, 2027. Some people will not need to meet these requirements because they are exempt.
If these requirements apply to you:
New QUEST Applications:
- These requirements need to be met the month before your QUEST application month. These requirements are for applications starting in 2027.
QUEST Renewals:
- These requirements need to be met in one of the six months before your QUEST renewal month. These requirements do not apply until your 2027 renewal.
- Two months before your 2027 renewal, you will be notified if the state Med-QUEST Division was able to verify that you meet the H.R. 1 federal work requirements or exemptions using its electronic data sources.
- The state Med-QUEST Division will reach out if they need proof from you to verify that you meet the new requirements or an exemption.
A Quick Breakdown
When?
Starting on January 1, 2027
Why?
Congress passed a bill (H.R. 1) that President Trump signed into law on 7/4/25 that is requiring changes to Medicaid eligibility rules for some adults.
Who
These changes only impact adults ages 19-64 who are not Blind, Disabled or Pregnant.
What?
There are two new requirements that will start in 2027:
1. For individuals described above, eligibility renewals will happen every six months instead of once per year
2. To keep Med-QUEST coverage, this adult group will need to demonstrate that they are either working or volunteering at least 80 hours per month or have a household income of at least $580 per month or are enrolled at least half-time in an educational program.
How?
More details will become available from the state Med-QUEST Division. Until then, here are some ways QUEST members can prepare:
- Set up online access to your existing Med-QUEST account at hawaii.gov It is fast and easy and is the best way to ensure Med-QUEST has the information it needs to help you stay enrolled.
- If you work, make sure you save your paystubs
- If you don’t have a paystub, but have proof of $580 household income per month, save that evidence of income.
- If you are enrolled in an educational program at least half time, ask your school for official proof of enrollment
What Can I Do Now?
- Create an Online Account.
- Check your Medicaid account online 24/7
- You can report changes, complete your renewal, and upload documents online
Already Have an Account?
Great start! If you already have an account, please log in and make sure your contact information is up to date.
Managing your Med-QUEST account online is the best way to update the information needed to help you keep your health insurance.
How to Meet New Requirements*
Work or volunteer at least 80 hours in one month of the six months prior to your 2027 renewal.
The 80 hours can be any combination of the following activities:
- Work
- Work or job training program, including college or vocational programs
- Caregiving or other unpaid work
- Volunteer
Other Ways to Meet Requirements
Income: receive household income of $580 or more in one month of the six months prior to your 2027 renewal. Seasonal workers may use their average monthly income over six months to meet the requirement.
School: enroll at least half time in an educational program
Exempt from the Work Requirements at Renewal*
These new federal work and volunteer rules DO NOT apply to:
- Children (0-18)
- Older Adults (65 and older)
- People on Medicare Part A or Part B
- Pregnant people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome
- A parent, guardian, caregiver relative, or family caregiver of a dependent child who is 13 years of age and under
- A caregiver of a disabled individual
- People with disabilities (this includes physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities that make it hard to do daily activities)
- Veterans with 100% disability rating
- People with serious health or mental health conditions or substance use problems
- People who were released from jail or prison within the last 90 days
- American Indians or Alaska Natives
- Former foster youth under 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
*Subject to change pending CMS guidance
At AlohaCare, Your Health is in Caring Hands
AlohaCare is a nonprofit health plan created in 1994 by Hawaiʻi’s community health centers and Queen Emma Clinics. We support people of all ages who qualify for government-funded health plans. We are proud to be the second largest Medicaid and Medicare health plan in Hawaiʻi, serving families across the state.