REGIONAL- Minnesotans receiving Medical Assistance, the state’s Medicaid program, have until Aug. 31 to use a new online tool designed to help them prepare for federal work-reporting requirements that take effect next year.
Minnesota health officials estimate the new requirements could cause about 140,000 Minnesotans to lose their health coverage. The online tool is an initial effort to help recipients avoid that outcome by preparing for the changes before they take effect.
The Renewal Lookup tool allows recipients to learn whether state records indicate the new requirements may apply to them and report how they expect to meet the requirements or qualify for an exemption.
Using the tool will not affect anyone’s current health coverage, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Providing the information now, however, may reduce the paperwork required when recipients renew their coverage in 2027.
The tool is available at mnrenewallookup.com, but only through Monday, Aug. 31. After that date, recipients will still be able to report exemptions and qualifying activities, but they may need to contact their county, tribal agency, or DHS by phone or in person.

Who may be affected
The new requirements generally apply to Medical Assistance recipients ages 21 through 64 who do not live with a dependent child younger than 19, are not pregnant, are not eligible for Medicare, and do not receive Medical Assistance based on a disability.
Many people within that group may already meet the requirement through work, income, school, volunteering, or other activities. Others may qualify for one of several exemptions.
The requirements were included in President Donald Trump’s sweeping 2025 tax and spending law, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. They take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
To use the online tool, recipients must provide three of four identifying items: their Medical Assistance case number, member number, last four digits of their Social Security number, and date of birth. The site includes examples showing where case and member numbers can be found on state notices and Medical Assistance identification cards.
If state records indicate that the work-reporting requirement may apply, the tool will ask users whether they expect to qualify for an exemption. Those who do not expect to be exempt will be asked how they expect to complete an approved activity.
Ways to meet the requirement include working, volunteering, participating in a work program, or combining approved activities for at least 80 hours during a month. Attending school or an apprenticeship at least half-time also qualifies, as does receiving at least $580 in earned income during a month.
Possible exemptions include being medically frail, caring for a disabled person, participating in a drug or alcohol treatment program, or being American Indian or Alaska Native.
Some people subject to work requirements through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Minnesota Family Investment Program may also be exempt.
DHS advises recipients to review the complete requirements and exemptions carefully at mn.gov/dhs/federalchanges/work-requirements. Free assistance is also available from health care navigators through MNsure.

More frequent renewals
Beginning in 2027, adults subject to the new requirements will generally have to renew their Medical Assistance coverage every six months rather than once a year.
DHS warns that recipients could lose coverage even if they remain eligible by missing a notice, request for proof, or response deadline. Recipients should make sure their county or tribal agency has their current mailing address, phone number, and email address, and should respond promptly when they receive a renewal notice.
“While most Medicaid recipients already work or meet the requirements in other ways, we are encouraging people to prepare now for the challenges of more paperwork,” Temporary DHS Commissioner John Connolly said. “We want all eligible Minnesotans to keep their coverage.”