Medicaid Work Requirements in PA: What You Need to Know and Why Clearing Your Record Helps

If you rely on Medicaid in Pennsylvania, or have been thinking about applying for it, you need to know this: there are major new work requirements on the horizon, and they could have real consequences for your coverage.

We are strong believers that access to healthcare (and a clean record) can unlock a better future. That’s why understanding how these policy changes intersect with criminal record clearing is so important.

What’s Changing?

A sweeping federal bill dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduces Medicaid work requirements in Pennsylvania.

These requirements include:

• Completing at least 80 hours of work, volunteering, training, or education per month to maintain eligibility
• Switching from annual renewals to every six months to prove ongoing eligibility
• Possible copays up to $35 per service for some Medicaid enrollees

A Department of Human Services estimate shows these changes could impact nearly 750,000 Pennsylvanians in the Medicaid expansion category. That’s approximately 1 in 4 recipients!

Why Record Clearing Matters More Than Ever

If you have a criminal record, especially older or sealed convictions, these new requirements can feel like another layer of stress. Employment instability can make those 80 hours nearly impossible to meet, especially in jobs with background checks or limited shifts.

That’s where our record clearing options like expungements and pardons come into play. By getting your record cleared, you:

• Increase your chance of securing stable work or training
• Improve the odds of passing background checks
• Create more flexibility to meet Medicaid’s new monthly thresholds

The Human Cost: 240,000 Could Lose Coverage

Local advocacy groups warn of a harsh outcome. A report by the PA Health Access Network (PHAN) estimates nearly 240,000 people could lose Medicaid coverage, even if they are working, disabled, in training or caregiving, simply because of the new paperwork and reporting burdens.

Losing Medicaid doesn’t just mean losing access to a health provider or SNAP benefits, it can mean going without potentially life-saving prescriptions or skipping essential care entirely.

What Can You Do Right Now?

1. Start clearing your record early — the process can take years, and readiness on day one puts you ahead of the pack.
2. Know your options — whether it’s Clean Slate, expungement, or a pardon, each path serves different needs. It is also important to know exactly what is on your criminal history to better advocate for yourself.
3. Prepare for work hours or training — even if it’s volunteering or education, having a plan helps.
4. Check if you qualify for exemptions — some groups may be exempt from hours requirements—but you’ll have to document your status.
5. Talk to us — we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand where your criminal record stands and what can be cleared and when.

Our team cares about more than just records, we care about your health, your income, and your ability to build a stable life. Because healthcare access shouldn’t be out of reach and a past mistake shouldn’t define your future and access to healthcare.