10/01/2026
Big changes to Medicaid took effect today. đź“‹
Starting October 1, fewer people qualify for full Medicaid coverage, and hospitals in states like Michigan will get less federal support for emergency care. That makes it even more important that every patient gets screened for the coverage they do qualify for.
For 40 years, Advomas has made sure patients and our hospital partners don't fall through the cracks, and we're ready to help navigate what comes next. đź’š
Here are the 3 federal changes now in place:
* Who qualifies is narrower. Full Medicaid and CHIP coverage is now limited to U.S. citizens, green card holders, and a few other specific groups. Many other lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, now qualify only for emergency Medicaid.
* Less support for emergency care. Expansion states like Michigan lose the 90% federal match for emergency Medicaid and drop to their regular, lower rate, so hospitals cover more of the cost.
* Tighter state funding. New caps on provider taxes, one way states pay their share of Medicaid, will tighten over the next several years.
One bright spot: these limits don't apply during a patient's presumptive eligibility period, so care given in that window still qualifies for federal funding.
States are acting too. Connecticut now requires hospitals to tell patients on every bill that financial assistance may be available, and Maryland is requiring hospitals to create clinical staffing plans.
Becker's Hospital Review breaks down all 7 laws and their timelines:�https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/7-healthcare-laws-taking-effect-oct-1/
Healthcare laws taking effect Oct. 1 include Medicaid eligibility limits, provider tax caps, and Connecticut's CON overhaul for executives to know.