Understanding upcoming Medicaid changes in Winona County

Medicaid plays a vital role in supporting thousands of individuals and families in Winona County. With changes coming through the federal Balanced Budget Act, it’s important to understand what’s ahead and how these changes may affect you.

Medicaid in Our Community Approximately 8,000 people in Winona County are enrolled in Medicaid. This includes children, parents, individuals with disabilities, and older adults. Unlike other insurance programs, Medicaid also provides access to broader social services, helping people thrive in their communities beyond healthcare.

Redetermination and Look-Back Period Medicaid requires annual redetermination, meaning participants must re-verify their eligibility each year. For those who enroll while in the hospital or need urgent care, Medicaid historically had a three-month look-back period, covering eligible services received before approval. One of the upcoming changes will shorten this look-back to one month, which could create gaps in coverage if applications aren’t submitted early.

Key Changes Coming

• Work Requirements (2026): Certain Medicaid participants will need to demonstrate they meet work-related criteria. Details—such as required hours and types of work—are still being developed by the state.
• Six-Month Redetermination (2027): Adults ages 19–64 without children who enrolled under the Medicaid expansion will need to re-verify eligibility every six months instead of annually.

Who Uses Medicaid?

• 45% of enrollees are children
• Many are single parents, people with disabilities, and older adults
• In rural communities, roughly 70% of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid, often alongside Medicare

Looking Ahead Winona Health is committed to helping the community navigate these changes. We encourage individuals to track timelines, complete applications promptly, and prepare documentation, including proof for work requirements as they become applicable.

Medicaid is more than a healthcare program — it’s a lifeline that helps people remain healthy and supported in their communities. Stay informed and reach out if you need guidance navigating these changes.

Learn more from our President & CEO, Rachelle Schultz, EdD. Click here or the image below to watch the video.

Rachelle Schultz, EdD, President/CEO

Through this digital column, I hope to shine a light on what we’re working on both internally and beyond our walls in collaboration with other community-focused organizations.