For families raising a child with autism or other developmental needs, Medicaid can play an important role in accessing healthcare, therapy, and ongoing support. So news about upcoming changes to Maryland Medicaid may naturally leave parents wondering whether their child’s coverage, or their own coverage as a caregiver, could be affected.
Beginning in January 2027, new Medicaid work and community engagement requirements will affect certain adults in Maryland. However, these changes will not apply to everyone enrolled in Medicaid. The new requirements apply to certain adults ages 19 to 64.
For parents and caregivers, the most important step is to understand what is changing, know that exemptions may apply, and keep household information up to date.
What Is Changing With Maryland Medicaid in 2027?
A federal law passed in 2025 introduced new eligibility requirements for certain Medicaid beneficiaries between ages 19 and 64.
Beginning in January 2027, some adults may need to complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities to maintain Medicaid coverage. Qualifying activities may include work and community engagement activities such as volunteering.
The changes are significant, but they do not mean that everyone receiving Maryland Medicaid will be subject to an 80-hour requirement. Eligibility depends on the individual’s Medicaid category and circumstances.
Some adults affected by the new requirements will also move from annual Medicaid renewals to six-month renewals. This means they may need to provide updated information more frequently to maintain coverage.
What Does This Mean for Children With Autism?
For parents of children with autism, this distinction is important. Parents should therefore distinguish between changes affecting certain adults and the eligibility rules governing their child’s specific Medicaid coverage or services.
If your child receives Medicaid-funded ABA therapy, do not stop or change treatment simply because you have heard about the upcoming requirements. Review any official notices you receive and contact Maryland Medicaid, Maryland Health Connection, or your managed care organization if you have questions about your child’s coverage.
What About Parents and Caregivers?
The situation can be more complicated for parents because the new requirements apply to certain adults.
Maryland’s guidance states that some people may be exempt from the new requirements. Whether an exemption applies depends on the individual’s circumstances and Medicaid eligibility category. For families raising a child with autism, caregiving responsibilities can be substantial, including coordinating therapy, attending appointments, communicating with schools, and supporting daily living and safety needs.
However, having a child with autism does not automatically mean that a parent is exempt. Parents should not assume that they qualify for an exemption without confirmation from Maryland Medicaid or Maryland Health Connection.
If you receive information about the new requirements, review the notice carefully and seek clarification if you are unsure how the rules apply to you.
Why the Six-Month Renewal Requirement Matters
The work requirement has received much of the attention, but more frequent renewals could also affect some families.
Adults subject to the new rules may need to renew Medicaid every six months instead of every 12 months. For parents already balancing work, school meetings, therapy appointments, medical care, and family responsibilities, an additional eligibility deadline can easily be overlooked.
Maryland advises members to complete their renewal by the deadline provided in their notice. Failing to complete a required renewal could result in a coverage gap.
How Parents Can Prepare
You do not need to wait until 2027 to get organized. A few practical steps can help:
- Keep your contact information updated. Make sure Maryland Medicaid has your current address, phone number, and other contact information.
- Report required household changes. Keep your Medicaid information current and report changes that may affect eligibility when required.
- Read every Medicaid notice. A notice may explain whether a new requirement applies to you, whether additional information is needed, or when your renewal is due.
- Keep relevant records organized. Depending on your circumstances, you may need documentation related to your eligibility or qualifying activities.
- Ask questions before a deadline. If you receive a notice you do not understand, seek clarification rather than waiting until the deadline has passed.
Maryland also encourages healthcare and behavioral health providers to help members understand the upcoming changes and direct them toward reliable information.
Could the Changes Affect ABA Therapy?
For children receiving ABA therapy, continuity may be particularly valuable because treatment often involves regular sessions, individualized goals, parent participation, data collection, and coordination between families and clinical teams.
If your family receives Medicaid-funded services, pay attention to any eligibility or renewal notices you receive. If you have questions about how a change could affect your child’s coverage or services, contact Maryland Medicaid, Maryland Health Connection, or your managed care organization.
For questions about Medicaid eligibility or the 2027 requirements themselves, families should rely on official Maryland Medicaid and Maryland Health Connection information for an individual determination.
Be Careful With Medicaid Information on Social Media
As major policy changes approach, families may encounter claims that everyone on Medicaid will have to work 80 hours a month, that parents will automatically lose coverage, or that children’s Medicaid benefits are ending. Those statements do not accurately describe Maryland’s current guidance.
The new requirements apply to specific groups of adults ages 19 to 64, not every Medicaid member. Maryland also states that some people may be exempt and that members will receive information if a change affects their coverage.
Maryland further states that most of the approximately 1.5 million people it serves through Medicaid will not experience a change from these new requirements. Because implementation details may evolve, families should rely on official Maryland Medicaid and Maryland Health Connection information when making decisions about eligibility.
TruPath Behavioral Therapy: Helping Families Navigate Care With Confidence
Supporting a child with autism involves much more than attending therapy sessions. Families may also be coordinating insurance, healthcare providers, school services, appointments, and changing eligibility requirements.
At TruPath Behavioral Therapy, we provide personalized, evidence-based ABA therapy while keeping parents and caregivers actively involved throughout their child’s care. We understand the importance of helping families feel informed and supported as they navigate their child’s treatment.
If your child currently receives ABA therapy, or you are exploring ABA services in Maryland, our team can help you understand the insurance verification and service process involved in beginning care at TruPath.
Staying informed now can help make the transition into 2027 easier and reduce the risk of avoidable administrative disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maryland Medicaid work requirements starting in 2027?
Yes. Beginning in January 2027, certain Maryland Medicaid members between ages 19 and 64 may need to meet new work or community engagement requirements to maintain coverage. The requirements will not apply to every Medicaid member.
Will children on Maryland Medicaid have to meet a work requirement?
The new work requirements apply to certain adults ages 19 to 64. Children are not included in this adult work requirement, but they can be affected under the parent’s plan.
How many hours will affected Medicaid members need to complete?
Certain affected adults may need to complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities. Maryland’s guidance describes qualifying activities as including work and community engagement activities such as volunteering.
Are parents and caregivers exempt from Maryland Medicaid work requirements?
Some people may qualify for an exemption from the new requirements. Whether a particular parent or caregiver qualifies depends on their individual circumstances and Medicaid eligibility category. Parents should not assume an exemption applies automatically. Maryland Medicaid or Maryland Health Connection can determine whether one applies to their specific situation.
Will Maryland Medicaid renewals happen every six months?
Some adults affected by the new rules may need to renew their coverage every six months rather than annually. Maryland Medicaid will notify members if the new renewal requirement applies to them.
Will the Medicaid changes stop my child’s ABA therapy?
Not automatically. However, maintaining active coverage is important when services are funded through Medicaid. If you receive a Medicaid eligibility or renewal notice, respond promptly and contact the appropriate Maryland resource if you have questions.
What should parents do now?
Make sure Maryland Medicaid has your current contact and household information, read all Medicaid notices carefully, keep relevant documentation organized, and complete any required renewal by the stated deadline. If you are unsure whether the new requirements apply to you or whether you qualify for an exemption, contact Maryland Health Connection or Maryland Medicaid rather than assuming your coverage will change.
