With new federal Medicaid work requirements becoming effective next year, the West Virginia Department of Human Services has launched a new information website and is encouraging recipients to update their contact information with the state.

“Federal law has changed, and our responsibility is to ensure West Virginians have accurate information and understand how these changes may affect them,” Christy Donohue, DoHS Commissioner of the Bureau for Medical Services, said in a statement Wednesday. “We want Medicaid members to know that DoHS is on track to implement these requirements and is working to make the process as simple as possible.”

Under Pres. Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, people age 19 through 64 who are part of the expanded Medicaid program are required to work, train or volunteer at least 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible for the health care program. 

The expanded Medicaid program is available to people who make up to 138% of the federal poverty line, or about $45,540 for a family of four. 

As of earlier this year, West Virginia’s Medicaid expansion population included 161,184 people. 

There are some exceptions to the work requirements, including for pregnant people, Native Americans, and caregivers of children under 14 or disabled adults. 

The state has launched https://wvmedicaidhelp.org/ to answer frequently asked questions about the new “community engagement” requirements.

According to the Department, the state is enhancing its eligibility systems to automate verification and eligibility processes whenever possible. When available, electronic data sources will be used to automatically verify information, reducing the need for members to submit additional documentation, the state said in the news release.

The state is asking Medicaid recipients to ensure their mailing address, email address and phone number is up to date. The department also asks people to read any correspondence about Medicaid eligibility the state sends, watch for additional correspondence between now and Jan. 1, and to visit WVMedicaidHelp.org for updates.

Lori Kersey is a reporter for West Virginia Watch, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.