Dear BOS Colleagues,
DMHAS asked us to pass along this important information regarding updates to HUSKY and SNAP. Please take a moment to read the e-mail below and check out the attachments.
HUSKY & SNAP Updates
What’s Changing
On January 1, 2027, a new federal rule takes effect that will affect many of our HUSKY D members ages 19–64. To keep their coverage, most will need to work or participate in community engagement activities for at least 80 hours per month.
This can be:
- A job (part-time or full-time)
- Job training or educational programs
- Volunteering or community service
- Or any combination of these
Members who don’t meet this requirement may lose their coverage.
Who Needs to Comply
Not everyone has to meet the work requirement—some members qualify for exemptions and won’t be affected. That’s why the first step is crucial: members need to take our prescreener to find out if the rule applies to them. Those with exemptions (due to disability, age, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances) can keep their coverage without working hours.
How You Can Help
We’re asking our community partners to help members get ready:
- Encourage members to update their contact information with us (phone, email, address). We’ll be reaching out with reminders and updates, and members need to make sure we can reach them. Ask them to also save important numbers in their phone so they recognize our calls and texts.
- Direct members to take the prescreener. This tells them whether they qualify for an exemption. It takes minutes and is the foundation for everything else.
- Help members understand what counts. Many forms of work and engagement qualify—including part-time jobs, job training programs, community college courses, and formal volunteering. If a member is unsure whether their situation counts, we can help determine that.
What We’re Building
We’re developing a system that will track member work hours with minimal paperwork—ideally without requiring document uploads. But we know every person’s situation is different. That’s where partnerships like yours matter most. If a member needs flexibility, has barriers to work, or has questions about what counts, your support can make the difference.
Next Steps
Attached are resources in English and Spanish you can print and share with clients. These explain the requirement, how to take the prescreener, and what qualifies.
Resources for your outreach:
SNAP and HUSKY Health online prescreeners
DSS HR-1 non-citizen eligibility webpage
SNAP Flyer_FINAL_Eng_Sp_BW_without crop marks
DSS_FY26_Medicaid_2sided Flyer_HuskyD_Full Color_FINAL
DSS_FY26_Medicaid_2sided Flyer_HuskyD_Grey_FINAL
DSS_HUSKYD_4x4 Card 2026_English_FINAL