03 Feb Cancer News You Need: Marketplace Financial Assistance, Medicaid Work Requirements, & More

February 3, 2026 ~ This blog covers the latest news you need about federal and state legislation, laws, policies, and programs that may impact the cancer community. This month we have information about Marketplace financial assistance, Medicaid work requirements, and more.

Federal Updates:

What is Happening with the Marketplace Financial Assistance in 2026?

When an individual is buying health insurance through the State Health Insurance Marketplace, they may be eligible for financial assistance based on their income level.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), added more financial assistance to the Marketplace to make plans more affordable during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

That additional financial help ended on December 31, 2025, because Congress failed to extend it beyond 2025. As a result, millions of Americans are paying more for their Marketplace plans in 2026.

What does this mean?

• Fewer people qualify for help paying their monthly premiums
• People earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level may no longer qualify for help, at all
• Premium costs have gone up for most families and individuals
• Some people may no longer be able to afford Marketplace coverage

These changes are especially significant for people affected by cancer, who may need consistent access to care and prescriptions.

What can you do?

It is important to understand all coverage options before making any decisions. This Triage Cancer blog explains options and things to think about if you are worried about affording a Marketplace health plan in 2026.

What is Happening with the Medicaid Work Requirements in 2026?

The Budget Reconciliation Act signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes states require adults to work in order to access Medicaid Expansion coverage. This requirement must be implemented by states by January 1, 2027.

Some states are moving faster; adding work or “community engagement” requirements to their Medicaid programs in 2026. These rules require certain Medicaid recipients to complete and report a set number of hours each month working, participating in job training, volunteering, or doing a combination of these activities to keep their Medicaid coverage.

There will be exemptions for certain individuals who will not be required to meet the “community engagement” requirement. States will define who is exempt. And, states will decide if this requirement must be reported twice a year, or more frequently.

We will be watching states closely and sharing how they are moving forward with these work requirements. Here is what we know, so far . . .

Which States Have Medicaid Work Requirements in 2026?

Georgia

• Status: Work requirements active since July 1, 2023, under the Pathways to Coverage program.
• Details: Adults must complete 80 hours per month of work or qualifying activities.
• Exemptions: People with disabilities, serious medical conditions (such as cancer), or caregiving responsibilities.

Nebraska

• Status: Work requirement will start May 1, 2026.
• Details: Medicaid members and applicants between the ages of 19-64 must complete 80 hours of work, school, apprenticeship, work program or volunteer for the qualifying month.
• Exemptions: List of exemptions available at Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.

Which States Have Section 1115 Waiver Applications Pending (Work Requirements)?

These states have applied to the federal government for Section 1115 waivers, to start work requirement programs for Medicaid in their state, prior to January 1, 2027:

• Arizona: AHCCCS Works (2025)
• Arkansas: ARHOME 1115 Demonstration
• Iowa: Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (2025)
• Montana: HELP Section 1115 Waiver
• Ohio: Group VIII 1115 Demonstration Waiver (2025)
• South Carolina: Palmetto Pathways Waiver (2025)
• Utah: Community Engagement Waiver (2025)

More State Updates:

Which States Have Passed Medical Aid in Dying Laws in 2025?

• New York: Governor Hochul announced an agreement with the Legislature to make medical aid in dying available to terminally ill New Yorkers with less than six months to live.
• Illinois: Governor Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying bill (SB 1950), also known as “Deb’s Law,” allowing qualified terminally ill patients to seek medication to peacefully end their life on their own terms in consultation with physicians.

About Triage Cancer

Triage Cancer is a national, nonprofit providing free education to people diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, and health care professionals on cancer-related legal and practical issues. Through events, materials, and resources, Triage Cancer is dedicated to helping people move beyond diagnosis.

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