Judge blocks Medicaid rule narrowing medical frailty exemptions

A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a rule that narrowed which Medicaid recipients with serious medical conditions could qualify for exemptions from new work requirements, while leaving the requirements and other challenged verification rules in place. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns of the federal court in Boston ruled for 25 states and the District of Columbia, which sued over guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The states argued the guidance imposed conditions beyond those set by Congress and would burden their eligibility systems. The 2025 law requires certain Medicaid expansion enrollees aged 19 to 64 to complete at least 80 hours of work or community service each month, or attend school at least half-time, beginning January 1, 2027. Exemptions include people considered medically frail and people in addiction treatment programs. The law identifies categories that must be included in the definition of medically frail, including people who are blind or disabled, have substance use disorders or disabling mental disorders, or have serious or complex medical conditions. CMS guidance went further, requiring...