Does taking care of a family member count as work for Medicaid?

Yes—taking care of a family member, whether they’re a child or an adult who requires daily care, can mean you don’t have to meet other Medicaid work requirements. Here’s what you need to know.

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The basics:#the-basics

Starting in 2027, most adults ages 19 to 64 will need to show proof they’re meeting work requirements, called “community engagement” requirements, in order to stay on Medicaid. This is similar to some of the changes happening to SNAP, but the programs are separate.

Unless you qualify for an exemption, you'll need to do at least 80 combined hours of working, volunteering, or attending school (or show you earn at least $580 per month).

The good news for family caregivers is that taking care of a family member counts as work, and many caregivers will be exempt from the new requirements.

You don't have to meet the Medicaid community engagement requirements if you care for:

• A child or children under age 14
• A child or children 14 and older who have disabilities
• An adult or adults with disabilities, including older adults who need help with everyday tasks

So family caregivers are exempt from Medicaid work requirements?#so-family-caregivers-are-exempt-from-medicaid-work-requirements

Yes, in many cases, caregiving qualifies you for a work requirement exemption. If the person you care for is your family member or you live with them, you don't have to track your hours. The only requirement is that you care for them regularly, not just once in a while.

It's different if you care for someone you're not related to and don't live with. You can still get the exemption if you care for them at least 80 hours a month.

If you care for them fewer hours than that, those hours still count toward the 80-hour minimum, but you’ll need to combine them with other activities that qualify, like going to school or other work.

You'll need to show proof at the time you apply or renew for Medicaid that you’re a caregiver for a child under 14 or someone with a disability. You may need to show medical proof that your family member has a disability or receives disability benefits.

What else counts as work for Medicaid?#what-else-counts-as-work-for-medicaid

If you don’t qualify for an exemption, you’ll need to show proof you’re meeting Medicaid work requirements. You can show that you’re making at least $580 a month or prove that you’re doing a certain number of hours of approved activities.

Any combination of the following activities will do:

• Jobs, self-employment, job training, or work programs
• Volunteering
• School or training at least half-time
• Seasonal or temporary work (if you earn an average of $580 per month over six months)

You don't need to work standard hours. Meeting the requirement just means your hours worked or money earned each month adds up to the minimum.