11/05/2026

Federal Judge Strikes Down CMS' Definition of Medical Frailty

A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled Oct. 29 that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) exceeded its authority by narrowing exemptions from Medicaid work requirements for people with qualifying medical conditions. The court struck down a provision requiring individuals to demonstrate that their medical conditions significantly impair their ability to meet work requirements, finding that the additional restriction went beyond federal law.

The ruling removes the restriction nationwide but does not delay implementation of Medicaid work requirements on Jan. 1, 2027. The court upheld limitations on self-attestation and a 12-month review period for medical claims data. Ohio was not among the 25 states challenging the rule and is not covered by the six-month enforcement relief granted to those states.

Read the federal court's Oct. 29 ruling.