BATON ROUGE, La. — Some Louisiana Medicaid recipients will face new eligibility requirements beginning Jan. 1 under changes announced by the state.

Under the new rules, working-age adults will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of employment, education, job training, volunteer work or a combination of approved activities in order to maintain coverage.

State officials say the changes are designed to encourage workforce participation and reduce waste and abuse within the Medicaid system.

Another significant change involves retroactive coverage. Currently, Medicaid may cover qualifying medical expenses incurred up to three months before a recipient applies for benefits. Beginning in January, that coverage window will be reduced.

Officials encourage Medicaid recipients to review the upcoming changes and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before the new rules take effect.