Medicaid work requirements are often described as simple — work, volunteer, or train for 80 hours a month. But in reality, these rules can be confusing, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate, especially for caregivers, people with chronic illness, or those in unstable jobs.

In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain what Medicaid work requirements actually mean, who they apply to, who is exempt, and why so many eligible people lose coverage because of reporting issues — not because they failed to comply.

This episode is especially important for adults in states considering or implementing work-related Medicaid policies.

In this episode, we cover:

What “80 hours per month” really includes

Who is required to report work or activities

Common exemptions (caregivers, disability, illness, pregnancy)

Why reporting — not work — is the biggest barrier

How paperwork and missed deadlines can lead to coverage loss

What to do if coverage is suspended or terminated

Educational support:

Disclaimer:

Medicaid eligibility can be confusing — especially when income limits, state rules, and federal policy overlap. In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain who qualifies for Medicaid, how traditional Medicaid differs from Medicaid expansion, and why millions of adults fall into the Medicaid coverage gap.

This episode breaks down how income, Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and state decisions affect access to Medicaid and marketplace coverage in 2026. If you’ve ever been told you earn “too much” or “too little” for health coverage, this episode explains why — and what it means for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Medicaid eligibility requirements in 2026

Who qualifies for traditional Medicaid

What the Medicaid coverage gap is and why it exists

Why some adults are ineligible for marketplace subsidies

How Medicaid rules vary by state

Educational support:

Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon returns after a two-year hiatus with a renewed focus on preventive care, improving health outcomes, and empowering communities through health education and advocacy. Hosted by Dr. Deon, a primary care physician and healthcare advocate, this relaunch trailer introduces the updated direction of the podcast and what listeners can expect in the upcoming season.

Designed for patients, caregivers, and community members seeking reliable, evidence-based health information, this podcast breaks down complex medical topics into clear, actionable insights. From disease prevention and wellness strategies to navigating today’s healthcare system, Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon helps listeners take control of their health with confidence.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Share this episode with someone who’s ready to take a proactive approach to their health.

Do you have seasonal allergies ( hay fever) or know someone who does? This is the episode for you! Check out this episode to learn about what is allergic rhinitis, common triggers, and typical treatments.  This is a great episode to listen to as we enter the spring and summer months when this condition can be the most prevalent.

Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.

Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This episode focuses on making a healthier lifestyle choice with a healthy nutrition plan, which includes a type of heart healthy plan called the DASH diet plan. Check out this episode for quick information about what is the DASH plan and how it provides health benefits in decreasing risk of heart disease and/or improving health outcomes in individuals living with heart disease.

 Resource Link for Heart Healthy Foods at Local Grocer:

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/heart-check-foods

Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.

Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection has become a major concern over the past few weeks. There have been recent reports about emergency rooms being overwhelmed and hospitals reaching bed capacity due to significant increases in RSV infections especially among children.  Check out this episode to learn more about RSV, including reason behind possible spike in cases within the U.S., who is at higher risk for severe infection, and ways to decrease the spread. 

Link for further information via Center for Disease Control (CDC): 

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.

Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from countries where the disease is not commonly seen, including the United States. Therefore, this podcast episode focuses on providing a better understanding of the recent outbreak of the monkeypox virus, such as what is monkeypox, how it spreads, symptoms and preventative measures.  Please do not forget to subscribe to the podcast. 

Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.

Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

May is considered National Asthma and Allergy  Awareness Month!  Asthma is impacting the lives of millions of Americans. Listen to this episode to learn some important information about asthma such as causes, risk factors and management  In addition, you will learn about some of the health disparities ,which  impact certain  ethnic groups with asthma when compared to others.  Congrats to  you on  listening to  this episode and taking the steps to improving your health. 

Resources as referenced in episode: 

Instruction for inhaler use: 

https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/inhaler_video/default.htm

Asthma action plan: 

https://youtu.be/dvcBapdEFaU

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Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Multiple Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the general population.   Check out this episode to learn more about this condition such as who is impacted the most by this disease, sign and symptoms, and the management of this disease. 

Resources from the Multiple Myeloma Foundation:

https://themmrf.org/resources/

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Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

February is American Heart Month! Check out this latest episode to learn about a particular type of heart failure, congestive heart failure (CHF). This episode will provide you with quick information about congestive heart failure, such as who is at risk, symptoms  and ways to improve outcomes and even possibly decrease the risk of developing this health condition.  Share this episode with others in support of Heart Month!

Resource Link for Heart Failure referenced in episode:

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/heart-failure-tools-resources

Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform.

Refine Your Health Podcast 

https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth