Medicaid and SNAP abruptly changing

CADIZ—Harrison Ciunty’s Department of Job and Family Services want to make the public aware of two changes to assistance programs enacted to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes will be coming in March and April of this year. States were previously not permitted to disenroll recipients from Medicaid coverage. Beginning with cases that are due for renewal in April, County Departments of Job and Family Services are required to review and close cases for those who do not comply with renewal requirements and those who are over income for eligibility for Medicaid. Individuals who receive notification that their benefits are being terminated will have the right to request a state hearing. Individuals who ultimately have their benefits terminated can shop for health insurance at www.healthcare.gov . This Medicaid review process will continue for the next 12 months.

The second change is to SNAP (Food Assistance). Previously, every household that received SNAP benefits also got a supplement at the end of every month. This benefit was in addition to their normal allotment. These benefits will be issued in January and February 2023 but will not continue in March. There are no state hearing rights for the termination of these benefits because the federal government has ended the supplements.

Beginning in March 2023, households will continue to receive their “normal” allotment of SNAP benefits between the first and the twentieth day of each month. Individuals who receive SNAP benefits can call 844-640-6446 with any questions about the end of the supplemental benefits.