News Releases

Attorney General Jones Celebrates Major Victory Blocking Implementation of Unlawful Medicaid Work Requirements for Medically Vulnerable Individuals

RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jones secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts finding the Trump Administration’s implementation of new Medicaid work requirements under the Big Beautiful Bill Act unlawful.

In a lawsuit filed in June 2026, Attorney General Jones joined a multistate coalition in challenging provisions of an interim final rule, which adopted a new interpretation of key terms like “medically frail,” making it harder for medically vulnerable individuals to be excused from the work requirements. In this decision, the District Court held that the Trump Administration’s definition of “medical frailty” is contrary to law, vacated the language, issued a permanent injunction, and granted the plaintiff states’ a six-month stay of enforcement to accommodate any errors or delays resulting from the necessary changes to implementation.

“More than 1.8 million Virginians rely on Medicaid to manage complex medical issues, like cancer, stroke care/recovery, and even renal failure, and they deserve clear, stable health insurance. The Trump Administration’s efforts to rip healthcare coverage away from those who need it most is unconscionable and illegal,” said Attorney General Jones. “America’s healthcare system is strained, Virginians are making difficult decisions just to cover day-today expenses, and this rule would have exacerbated the burden.”

"Cancer patients shouldn't be forced to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the lifesaving care they need," said governor Abigail Spanberger. "This ruling affirms that patients deserve timely access to the care their doctors recommend - not unnecessary red tape. As the Trump Administration threatens healthcare coverage, I will continue to do everything in my power to protect patients, make sure families can see their doctors, and push back against the chaos out of Washington."

BACKGROUND

Medicaid is the nation’s safety net healthcare program for low-income Americans and is jointly funded by states and the federal government, with the federal government providing at least 50% of the cost of services. Congress created exemptions from Medicaid’s work requirements to ensure that people with serious illnesses and disabilities do not lose coverage or face interruptions in care.

Yet despite months of working with states on implementation, earlier this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) surprised states with an interim final rule that makes it harder for medically vulnerable individuals to be excused from the work requirements and makes other changes that increase administrative burdens, create unnecessary red tape, and put eligible people at risk of losing their health coverage — including those who are already working or qualify for an exemption. The rule disregarded substantial evidence that should have been considered, failed to adequately evaluate reasonable alternatives, and did not give states clear or workable guidance.

Past Medicaid work requirement programs have shown that added red tape causes eligible people to lose coverage, placing greater strain on state Medicaid programs, safety net providers, and emergency rooms, while increasing costs as more medically frail residents become uninsured.

Published on: October 30, 2026 

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