By Nada HassaneinStatelineStates will have to meet a Jan. 1 deadline to implement new Medicaid work requirements, after a federal judge denied 25 Democratic-led states’ request to pause implementation of the rule. That designation excuses Medicaid recipients from work requirements if they have serious disabilities or illnesses. But United States District Judge Richard Stearns of Massachusetts noted in a ruling issued on Wednesday that CMS has said it will reimburse states for 90% of the costs associated with designing and executing the requirements. It also raises questions about CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz’s “faithfulness to Congressional intent,” the judge wrote. Between 3 million and 7 million people could lose coverage as a result of the new work requirements, the Urban Institute estimated earlier this year.