Medicaid Work Requirements and Behavioral Health: Implementation and State Approaches

Medicaid work requirements can create particular challenges for people living with mental illness or substance use conditions. This discussion will examine how states may determine eligibility for exemptions, verify those exemptions, and address the effects of these policies on Medicaid coverage and access to care, including how recent litigation could influence implementation.

The event brings together state Medicaid leaders, researchers, and policy experts to compare state approaches and consider how health care leaders can support people with behavioral health conditions as the policies develop. It is hosted by the Johns Hopkins University–American Enterprise Institute Fellowship.

When: November 18, 2026

Showtimes: 9–11 a.m. EST

Venue: Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C.

Audience: Johns Hopkins faculty, staff, and students

Registration: Required. Registration was requested by November 17.

Tickets: Price not available

Hosted by: Johns Hopkins University–American Enterprise Institute Fellowship

Contact: Questions may be directed to Dr. Catherine Ettman.

Note: A flyer with the speaker list is available through the event page.