Beginning in January, new Medicaid work requirements will ask adults ages 19 to 64 to meet certain community engagement requirements to remain eligible for coverage. Affinia Healthcare is partnering with Employment Connection, a career agency, to help patients find gainful employment to meet the new requirements and keep their coverage.  

The change now calls for adults seeking coverage to complete 80 hours of work or volunteer services, be enrolled in an education program, or have a medical condition which exempts them from working. According to a report from KCUR, Missouri has already seen a five percent decline in coverage between January 2025 and May 2026.  

“Affinia Healthcare and Employment Connection are partnering to help the community stay connected to both healthcare and employment resources,” said Affinia Healthcare President and CEO Dr. Kendra Holmes. “A key focus of the partnership is helping patients keep their Medicaid coverage by connecting those who need to meet work requirements with employment, job training, and volunteer opportunities through Employment Connection,” Holmes said.  

Both organizations serve many of the same clientele, and this partnership will strengthen the collective ability to connect community members with the support they need. 

“We are excited to celebrate a new partnership with Affinia Healthcare which will allow our mutual clients to continue to benefit from Affinia Healthcare’s award-winning, comprehensive health services while being exposed to Employment Connection’s multitude of wraparound services,” said Employment Connection Chief Executive Officer Sal Martinez.  

The Affinia Healthcare Outreach team will help facilitate this partnership as they encounter patients who may need assistance with enrollment and meet new patients who need coverage and job opportunities altogether.  

“As I assist many of our patients with Medicaid enrollment, I find they are also in need of employment and the services that Employment Connection provides,” said Affinia Healthcare Outreach Director LaDon Meriweather. “We’re working to help our patients keep their coverage, and I believe this partnership is a natural fit. Ensuring members of our community have access to equitable services is a main priority.” 

For more information about Affinia Healthcare or to schedule an appointment, please call 314-814-8700 or visit www.affiniahealthcare.org. To learn more about Employment Connection, please visit www.employmentstl.org.