Midterm Election Update: Medicaid Changes Published: Oct 21, 2026

https://www.kff.org/elections/midterm-election-update-medicaid-changes/ Major federal changes to Medicaid eligibility and financing from the 2025 reconciliation law are coming, including new work requirements beginning by next year that will affect millions of Medicaid enrollees. At the time the law was enacted, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the new law’s Medicaid changes would reduce federal spending on Medicaid by $911 billion between 2025 and 2034 and increase the number of people without health insurance by 7.5 million. With large shares of the public reporting some level of personal connection to Medicaid and a majority expressing a favorable view of the program, 4 in 10 voters say it is “extremely important” for candidates to discuss the future of Medicaid heading into the 2026 midterms.