Information for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN)

Starting January 1, 2027, a new federal law, H.R. 1 (OBBBA), says that certain adults must work or do community activities for 80 hours each month to keep their Medicaid. Some adults will also be required to complete an eligibility review (renewal) every 6 months, instead of every 12 months. 

If you are American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) with a verified tribal status, you are exempt from these changes. You do not have to do these work and community activities and will have a review every 12 months.  

If your status as AI/AN has not been verified, you may have to complete the work requirement each month to keep your Medicaid.

How to get your exemption:

To make sure you are exempt from these changes, you will need to turn in your tribal status verification to the Department of Workforce Services (DWS). Send DWS a copy of one of these items for each person in your home who is a tribal member:

• Tribal ID card: Your tribal identification/enrollment card or number. 
• CIS paper: A "Certificate of Indian Blood" signed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
• IHS Face Sheet: A medical record certified by IHS as being from their original records. It must show your name and date of birth.  
• Tribal court document: A tribal court document containing identifying information, such as name and the date of birth.
• Descendent: Any of the above documents showing tribal membership through a parent or grandparent. You must provide a birth certificate or court document that shows how you are related to them.

Where to send your verification:

Write your name and case number on every page you turn in. You can send your papers by mail or by fax to:

• Mail: Department of Workforce Services
               Imaging Operations
               P.O. Box 143245
               Salt Lake City, UT  84114-3245

• Fax: Toll-Free: 1-877-313-4717
  Local: 801-526-9500 

You must turn in your tribal verification by January 1, 2027 to be exempt from this new rule.