Allegheny County is preparing for Medicaid changes that officials say could leave thousands of residents without health insurance.
New Medicaid requirements approved by Congress could cause nearly 26,000 Allegheny County residents to lose health coverage beginning January 1, 2027.
Not because they're ineligible, but because of new paperwork and reporting requirements.
Some adult Medicaid recipients will need to show proof that they have a job or are pursuing an education.
In a news release, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato says the changes will also increase uncompensated care at hospitals and reduce federal funding for local behavioral health providers by more than $20 million next year.
“Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a lifeline. Federal cuts to Medicaid will have real consequences for families across Allegheny County, forcing thousands of people to lose coverage not because they are ineligible, but because of new administrative barriers,” said County Executive Innamorato. “In Allegheny County, we will continue standing up for our residents and are working with healthcare providers to minimize the harm of these cuts.”
The county says it's expanding outreach efforts to help eligible residents maintain their coverage.
The changes are part of the federal budget package passed last year, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
