NAMI Statement as Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements Take Effect

NAMI calls on policymakers to minimize coverage losses and protect access to mental health care

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) expressed strong concern and disappointment with the federal rule implementing new Medicaid community engagement requirements, or work requirements, which went into effect on July 31. Despite sustained advocacy from NAMI and the broader health care community over the last year, the new rule puts Medicaid coverage and access to lifesaving care at risk for millions of Americans nationwide.