Because of high unemployment in the borough, Bronx residents will be exempt from Medicaid work requirements when new federal rules take effect in January, the New York state's health department confirmed on Thursday.

State health officials told a meeting of hospital leaders this week that Bronx residents qualify for a federal hardship exemption that gives a pass to people living in areas with high rates of unemployment, Politico first reported .

Without that exemption, many Bronx residents would have to prove they are working, in school or otherwise, complying with the new federal Medicaid requirements in order to maintain their health coverage.

About 60% of the Bronx’s 1.4 million residents are covered by the public insurance program for people with low incomes, compared with about 40% of New Yorkers citywide, according to state data .