Medicaid Expansion Updates by State

by | Aug 25, 2026 | Uncategorized

Arkansas

At the end of July, the Administration rejected Arkansas’ request to renew its hybrid Medicaid expansion. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the denial is due to the new budget neutrality rule. The state’s current waiver for the ARHOME program is set to end December 31. It currently provides insurance to more than 200,000 low-income people.

The Medicaid program was expanded using an 1115 waiver. Other states that used 1115 Waivers to expand Medicaid are Georgia, Nebraska, Montana, and Iowa. It is unclear what the CMS denial for Arkansas means for the other states that expanded using 1115 waivers.

Nebraska

Nebraska fast-tracked the Medicaid community engagement (work reporting requirements), starting May 1, 2026 instead of Congress’ deadline of January 1, 2027. According to the Nebraska Appleseed, the rollout has been difficult for Nebraskans.

  • Mass confusion: Many Nebraskans are not sure if they are subject to work requirements. Additionally, information on the work reporting requirements has not been clearly communicated, leading to further confusion.
  • Call center issues: Enrollees trying to contact the call center often have wait times of more than an hour or are disconnected. Language lines have also not been working correctly, or at all.
  • No data: No public information is currently shared about the impact to enrollees nor how many people have been denied coverage.

Indiana

Indiana’s new 1115 waiver amendment proposes to:

  • Move all the expansion population into waiver
  • Cap Medicaid enrollment based on the state budget
  • Impose significant co-pays, including $35 for non-emergency use of the emergency department

Written comments regarding the waiver amendment will be accepted through September 4, 2026, and may be emailed to: Secretary Mitch Roob at IP@fssa.IN.gov  or sent to the FSSA via mail at:

Family and Social Services Administration

Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning

Attention: Secretary E. Mitchell (Mitch) Roob

402 West Washington Street, Room W374

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

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