Key Facts

• The federal government will reduce its payment to states for SNAP administration from 50% to 25%, meaning states cover 75% of these costs starting October 1, 2026.
• Higher state costs for SNAP may lead to fewer caseworkers and slower processing of benefits, though SNAP benefit amounts will not be directly reduced.
• Beginning October 2027, states with high payment error rates will need to pay part of SNAP benefit costs, which have traditionally been fully federal-funded.
• Medicaid eligibility for some lawful non-citizens, like refugees and trafficking survivors, will narrow; full federal funding for Medicaid will be limited to U.S. citizens, green card holders, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and citizens of certain Pacific nations.
• Emergency Medicaid and certain coverage for children and pregnant individuals will remain available.
• Medicaid work requirements will start for some adults aged 19-64, requiring 80 hours per month of work, training, education, or community service to keep coverage.
• These changes come from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and are overseen by government departments including USDA and CMS.
• Experts say the reforms aim to reduce federal spending but could increase challenges for vulnerable Americans and shift financial burdens to states.