Federal SNAP and Medicaid Program Changes

 

Following the passage of H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, in July 2025, significant changes have been made and will be made in the coming years to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes range from work requirements, increasing eligibility verification, restricting immigrant access, and imposing major funding cuts. 

These federal programs are administered differently in each state. In Ohio, counties play a major role in helping residents access Medicaid and SNAP. In Summit County, the Department of Job and Family services is responsible for determining residents' eligibility for both Medicaid and SNAP. 

At this time, we are still learning more about the program changes and how they will be implemented. We will continue to update this page with details as they are available. 

Updates will also be shared at https://www.summitdjfs.org/. 

 

 

SNAP Changes - New Work Requirements

 
Effective March 2026, new work requirements have been implemented for:
  • able-bodied adults with children 14 years or older
  • able-bodied adults without dependents who are:
    • aged 55-64
    • veterans
    • or homeless
For more information, please view the PDFs below or visit: https://www.summitdjfs.org/services/workforce-development/snap-work-requirement-changes.html 

 

SNAP logo

Employment Resources

 
 
SNAP Education and Training
SNAP E&T is a voluntary program that can help SNAP participants gain skills and find work. SNAP E&T is not a one-size-fits-all training. It meets you where you are and opens the door to new opportunities and career options. Learn more at https://www.summitdjfs.org/services/workforce-development/snap-e-t-program.html. 
 
OMJ Summit County
OhioMeansJobs Summit County is the local, all-in-one workforce resource center and provides a full range of free services to job seekers. Visit https://www.summitmedinaomj.org/home/Home-Summit-County-OMJ.html to access resources or call 330-633-1050. 

 

Learn more about ways to fulfill work requirements, including SNAP E&T or volunteering, at the links below:

 

Medicaid - New Work Requirements for Expansion Group

 

We will be sharing more information about the changes made to Medicaid in the coming weeks. New work requirements for Medicaid will go into effect on January 1, 2027, and are entirely separate from changes made to SNAP listed above. We are currently awaiting guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a complete picture of what changes to Medicaid will look like. We expect this guidance sometime in early 2026.

 

What we do know:

These new Medicaid work requirements will apply to the Medicaid Expansion Group, also referred to as Medicaid Group VIII.

Learn more about who is included in the Medicaid Expansion Group here: https://medicaid.ohio.gov/resources-for-providers/special-programs-and-initiatives/group-viii

 

 

 

Medicaid Info Coming Soon

More SNAP Changes - Funding Cost Shift

 

 

Additional changes have been made regarding how SNAP is funded. While these changes do not require client action, they significantly increase costs for state & local governments related to administering and funding SNAP.

 

Benefit Cost Shift

 

Effective October 2027, states with error rates higher than 6% must contribute to the Benefit Cost for the first time in history. The Benefit Cost is the money on a SNAP recipient's EBT card when they swipe it at the grocery store.
  • If Ohio's error rate remains 9%, Ohio will be required to contribute $316 million annually in benefit costs.
  • Previously, states paid $0 of this cost.

 

SNAP logo

Admin Cost Shift

 

Effective October 2026, states will have to contribute more money to administer the program. Previously, states and the federal government split admin costs 50-50. Now, states must pay 75%, while the federal government will pay 25%.
  • Ohio's cost-share will increase by $51 million, in addition to the existing admin cost-share funding.
    • Summit County's portion of this is $2.1 million, in addition to our existing $3.6 million mandated share to the State of Ohio.

Outreach and FAQs

 

The presentation was given on January 12, 2026, at the Barberton Active Adult Center. It outlines the major changes to SNAP and Medicaid. It also addresses child care programs and Adult Protective Services.