By May 1, 2026, all able-bodied, qualifying Nebraskan adults in the Medicaid expansion program will be required to work or participate in an authorized activity in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) announced Wednesday that Nebraska would be the first state to carry out the Medicaid work requirements passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The move will require able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 who are part of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion group to work or participate in authorized community service, educational, or work programs.