McClellan Introduces Bill to Help Virginians Keep Their Medicaid Coverage

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) introduced the Medicaid Outreach and Assistance for Communities Act of 2026. This bill will help ensure Americans keep their health insurance coverage under Medicaid - especially now that H.R. 1's new work reporting requirements, starting in 2027, will make it harder for people to stay enrolled, even if they're eligible. Virginia will begin outreach on the Medicaid changes in early June.

"Republicans' Big Ugly Law left millions of Americans without clear guidance on how to complete new paperwork and jump through administrative hoops to stay covered by Medicaid," said Congresswoman McClellan. "Our bill addresses this looming crisis by requiring the federal government to help Medicaid recipients keep their health insurance and navigate new barriers to enrollment. As Virginians look to their state and federal agencies for relief, we must meet the moment and deliver much-needed relief to those worried about losing their health care coverage."

"Louisianians deserve peace of mind knowing they won't lose their health care simply because the federal government has made the system harder to navigate," said Congressman Carter. "States like ours already work hard to help people sign up for Medicaid and stay covered. My bill gives states the resources they need to continue and expand that work so no one falls through the cracks because of red tape."

As states prepare for the increased administrative burden created by more frequent eligibility checks and new reporting rules, this legislation strengthens state capacity by offering 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for Medicaid outreach, application, and enrollment assistance. This enhanced federal match would apply to states who are conducting outreach and assisting all Medicaid-eligible individuals; including adults in Medicaid expansion populations who will soon be subject to work-reporting requirements.

The Medicaid Outreach and Assistance for Communities Act of 2026:

• Helps Americans stay enrolled in Medicaid.
• Provides financial support to states providing outreach and application/enrollment assistance to all Medicaid-eligible individuals, including the Medicaid expansion population who will be subject to work-reporting requirements outline in H.R. 1.
• Prepares states for the extra work caused by H.R. 1's work-reporting requirements.
• Protects eligible Americans from losing coverage simply because the system becomes more complicated.

Read the full bill text here.