Advocates for Nebraskans with disabilities said work requirements for Medicaid recipients implemented by the state on May 1 threaten services for people who need them most.

Trump administration officials said they are trying to make social service program recipients more accountable. By January of 2027, 43 states are required to implement Medicaid work requirements. Nebraska imposed them on May 1, a full eight months ahead of the federal deadline.

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Edison McDonald, executive director of the advocacy group National Disability Action and a Nebraska resident, said the quick implementation gave Medicaid recipients with disabilities no time to plan.

"I have met with Nebraska DHHS leadership in the past about making changes to Medicaid and they've told me pretty consistently that it requires at least 18 months to make any sort of major change," McDonald pointed out.

While there are exceptions under the new rules, Medicaid recipients are required to work, seek work or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.

McDonald noted most recipients with disabilities are willing to work. He believes the new requirements could instead discourage people who want to become self-sufficient or desire upward mobility but need disability benefits to get them there.

"If you want to work more, you're out of luck," McDonald contended. "If you want to be able to bring yourself up by your own bootstraps, too bad, because all of a sudden you'll face a sharp benefits cliff."

Nebraska hospitals have said health care providers are already feeling the effects of staffing shortages, which are affecting their ability to provide adequate services for all of the state's residents.