Medicaid Outreach and Assistance for Communities Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would require the federal government to cover 100% of the costs states spend on Medicaid and CHIP outreach and enrollment. Right now, states share these costs with the federal government, but this bill would shift the entire burden to Washington.
• The bill is a direct response to recent changes in Public Law 119-21 that added work reporting requirements and more frequent eligibility checks to Medicaid. Sponsors argue these new rules make it harder for eligible people to keep their coverage.
• Evidence cited in the bill shows that many people lose coverage not because they are ineligible, but because the paperwork and processes are too complicated. The bill aims to fund navigators and outreach workers who help people through these steps.
• The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment, applying to calendar quarters beginning on or after the date the bill is signed into law. This means states could begin receiving full federal reimbursement for outreach costs right away.
• Supporters say that without this extra help, eligible children, working families, and older adults will lose their health insurance, putting their health and financial stability at risk.