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Congress shifts SNAP admin costs to states in 2026

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:58 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Bill Shifts SNAP Costs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act shifts 75% of SNAP admin costs to states on Oct. 1, 2026.
U.S. reported a drop of 332,000 SNAP participants between May and June 2026.
Lorain County, Ohio estimates a $962,000 SNAP funding loss, risking staff cuts for 1,500 cases.
Maryland’s SNAP enrollment fell 39,255 recipients from July 2025 to June 2026, a 6% decline.
A Senate Agriculture Committee proposal would delay the state cost-sharing requirement until Oct. 2028.

Summary

Congress Cuts Immigrant Medicaid

Congress passed H.R. 1, which removes Medicaid, CHIP and ACA marketplace eligibility for lawfully present immigrants starting Oct 1, 2026.
Refugees, asylum seekers and trafficking survivors will lose Medicaid unless states fund coverage.
Illinois officials estimate 9,300 lawfully present immigrants will lose Medicaid by Oct 1, 2026.
Starting Jan 1, 2027, Medicaid work requirements will demand adults 19-64 complete 80 hours/month or earn $580.

History

Historical Context

President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act on August 22 1996, replacing AFDC with TANF and giving states block-grant control. After a 27 % rise in welfare caseloads from 1990-94, the reform cut national rolls about 60 % by 2005. The 2026 One Big Beautiful Bill Act mirrors that cost-sharing shift, prompting the Senate Agriculture Committee to delay action in 2028.

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Bill Shifts SNAP Costs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act shifts 75% of SNAP admin costs to states on Oct. 1, 2026.
U.S. reported a drop of 332,000 SNAP participants between May and June 2026.
Lorain County, Ohio estimates a $962,000 SNAP funding loss, risking staff cuts for 1,500 cases.
Maryland’s SNAP enrollment fell 39,255 recipients from July 2025 to June 2026, a 6% decline.
A Senate Agriculture Committee proposal would delay the state cost-sharing requirement until Oct. 2028.

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