Story perspectives

25 States Sue HHS Over Narrowed Medicaid Frailty Rule

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorneys general and governors from 25 states and D.C. sued HHS and CMS over a new medical-frailty definition that narrows Medicaid work-requirement exemptions.
The rule forces Medicaid expansion enrollees aged 19-64 to work or volunteer 80 hours monthly or attend school half-time, limiting health-condition exemptions.
States claim the guidance contradicts prior CMS communications, lacks documentation, and could strip care from thousands, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.

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Story summary

Attorneys general and governors from 25 states and D.C. sued HHS and CMS over a new medical-frailty definition that narrows Medicaid work-requirement exemptions.
The rule forces Medicaid expansion enrollees aged 19-64 to work or volunteer 80 hours monthly or attend school half-time, limiting health-condition exemptions.
States claim the guidance contradicts prior CMS communications, lacks documentation, and could strip care from thousands, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.