Medically Frail Maryland Residents Will See Hurdles Next Year to Keep Medicaid

Healthcare attorney Jennifer Hananoki was cited in a WYPR News article examining how new Medicaid work requirements set to take effect in 2027 under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act will affect medically frail residents in Maryland. The article discussed recently released guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) clarifying who may qualify for medical frailty exemptions, including individuals with disabilities, substance use disorders, disabling mental disorders and serious complex medical conditions. Ms. Hananoki explained that qualifying for an exemption may require more than a diagnosis, especially for complex medical conditions, and the new rules will incorporate additional documentation and verification responsibilities for states, providers and Medicaid recipients.

"These would include things like HIV, significant heart disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and late-stage renal disease," she said. "However, the patient with that diagnosis must still demonstrate that it impairs their ability to engage in the community and to work."

READ: Medically Frail Maryland Residents Will See Hurdles Next Year to Keep Medicaid