ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Local residents and health care providers expressed concern about new federal Medicaid work requirements, saying the changes could pose barriers to some people’s access to health care coverage.

Under the new policy, adults ages 19 to 64 will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month to qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Asheville resident Sharon Willen said this is adding more concern for people she knows who are already feeling pressure from rising costs.

MILLIONS COULD FACE COVERAGE LOSS UNDER NEW MEDICAID WORK RULES

“It’s completely unrealistic given what’s happening with groceries,” Willen said. "The cost of living, housing, food, doctors."

Willen said she worries additional requirements could make health care even less accessible for people who are already struggling. When it comes to maneuvering these changes, she said, "Social capital is just as important as financial capital."

That's why Willen said she regularly attends community gatherings geared towards older adults – including last week's Age-Friendly Summit.

“If you stay isolated in your house or if your neighbor is isolated because they’re disabled, then it’s a serious problem,” she said.

Medical professionals who work with older adults said they predict these Medicaid work requirements will strain local residents and already see some patients struggling.

Kristin Smith, a nurse practitioner with CenterWell Senior Primary Care in Asheville, said she is trying to support patients who have asked about how federal health care changes will impact them.