The 2025 reconciliation bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is now law. It changes eligibility rules for important programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and health plans through the Affordable Care Act. The Q&As below explain what’s changing, when it starts, and what you need to do to stay informed and keep your benefits.
<Q1> What is the biggest change in this new law?
- Many “able-bodied” adults of working age will new need to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. (See Question 3 for specific age groups.)
- The state will redetermine your eligibility every 6 months, not just once a year, so you will need to report your work regularly for both Medicaid and SNAP.
<Q2> When will these changes happen?
The changes are not happening right away, but they are coming.
- Some states may begin the new rules as early as late 2025.
- All states must have the new rules in place by early 2027.
- The exact start date depends on your state, since each state sets up its own system.
TIP: Watch your mail starting in late 2025 for letters from your state explaining when the changes will take effect for you.
<Q3> Who will be most affected? Will I lose benefits?
Not everyone will lose benefits, but some people will need to take extra steps to keep them. Just meeting income limits may not be enough if you’re in a group required to work.
- Medicaid: Adults ages 19 – 64 must meet the 80-hour work rule unless they qualify for an exemption. States will check eligibility every 6 months. If you miss a form or deadline, you could lose coverage even if you still qualify.
- SNAP: The 80-hour work rule now includes adults ages 55 – 64, not just 18 – 54, and there will be fewer exemptions.
If you meet your state’s rules, you can keep your benefits. If you can’t meet the 80-hour rule, check right away to see if you qualify for an exemption.
<Q4> Who is exempt from the new work rules?
Not everyone will have to meet the new work rules.
- Medicaid exemptions often include people who are pregnant, have disabilities, or are caring for children or dependents.
- SNAP exemptions are fewer. Only parents with children under age 14 are exempt. Some groups that used to be exempt – such as certain veterans, people experiencing homelessness, or young adults leaving foster care – may no longer be automatically exempt.
The exemptions vary by state. Each state decides who qualifies. Check with your local Social Services Office to find out if you’re exempt.
NEED HELP? Call our NAPCA Multilingual Helpline if you need assistance in locating the nearest office.
<Q5> What you should do now?
- Update your contact information with your state Medicaid or SNAP office.
- Open and read all mail from your state, especially starting in late 2025.
- Check if you qualify for an exemption if you cannot meet the new work requirements.
If you have questions about public benefits, there are 3 ways you can reach us today:
Call our Helpline at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259,
(Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218,
(Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336
Email: askNAPCA@napca.org
Mail: NAPCA Helpline, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101
Established in 1979, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated empowering older adults through advocacy and access to resources essential to their well-being and independence, regardless of language or culture.
