What Could Medicaid Work Requirements Mean for SSI Applicants? Once approved for SSI, Medicaid enrollees would not be subject to work requirements, but the application for SSI can be a lengthy and complicated process, spanning months, if not years, during which time applicants may be at risk of uninsurance because they are unable to work. The remaining people with disabilities are covered through different Medicaid eligibility pathways, including the ACA Medicaid expansion. How might work requirements affect Medicaid coverage for people during the SSI application process? Different requirements for Medicaid eligibility determinations mean SSI applicants covered through the Medicaid expansion could face two concurrent assessments of their ability to work: one for SSI and one for Medicaid.