It's Day 1 of Medicaid work requirements in Nebraska. People are worried

President Donald Trump and Republican members of Congress at the signing ceremony for his tax cut and spending bill on July 4, 2025. That law makes it a requirement for many adults who get Medicaid to prove that they are working. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption toggle caption Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Schmeeka Simpson of Omaha works as a patient navigator for the American Civil Liberties Union and an administrative assistant at Nebraskans for Peace, plus picks up shifts at a Dunkin' shop. Still, even with three jobs, she worries about losing her health coverage as Nebraska, starting Friday, May 1, becomes the first state to require certain Medicaid enrollees to work, train, or go to school under a rule mandated by congressional Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Simpson, 46, has relied on Medicaid since her divorce in 2014. None of her employers offer health coverage. She said she lost her government food assistance after technical problems caused her to miss renewing in time, and she worries that similar problems will happen again. "Adding more barriers won't make the program work any better," she said. Even though she works three jobs, Schmeeka Simpson worries about losing her health coverage when Nebraska becomes the first state to implement new Medicaid work requirements. …