Does Missouri require Medicaid recipients to work as of May 2026?

Under existing state law, MO HealthNet, Missouri’s Medicaid Program, does not require recipients to work.

However, policy changes are in progress at the state and federal level. House Joint Resolution 154 proposes adding a work requirement through an amendment to the Missouri Constitution. If passed by the legislature by Friday, May 15, 2026, Missourians would vote on the requirement in an upcoming election.

At the federal level, a provision in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (HR1), signed into law last July, requires states to implement work or community engagement requirements by Jan. 1, 2027. The requirement will apply to adults ages 19 to 64 with limited exemptions.

Regardless of the status of the state resolution, the provisions in the federal mandate will take effect. The proposed state amendment would make the requirement a part of the Missouri Constitution, keeping the requirements in place even if federal law changes.