Educating advocates and policymakers on the lessons learned from more than 25 years of TANF and SNAP experience and research. Analyzing federal legislation and regulations and state implementation options to identify best practices for minimizing coverage loss and protecting vulnerable populations.
H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” or OBBBA, enacted in July 2025, includes a major expansion of SNAP work requirements to older workers and parents, as well as a new requirement for all states to implement work requirements as a condition of eligibility for many Medicaid recipients. Based on previous experience with work requirements in public benefit programs, these requirements will cause millions of people to lose food assistance and health care coverage, including many who are working or who should qualify for exemptions, but who get caught up in the administrative burden of reporting requirements.
While all work reporting requirements create administrative burden and serve as a barrier to program access, state choices in setting policy and implementing it can make the difference between whether programs continue to serve most of those eligible for benefits or become available only in theory, inaccessible to those who need them most.
This brief explains the differences in how Medicaid and SNAP treat education and training, and provides recommendations to states on how to minimize the gap and expand access. The appendix includes a detailed analysis of statutory and regulatory provisions.
This document explains why it is important for states to plan for implementing both Medicaid and SNAP work requirements in a coordinated manner.
This document compares the SNAP and Medicaid work requirements created by H.R. 1 and analyzes the differences in the timelines, requirements, consequences and exemptions.
I am pleased to offer these resources to support policymakers and advocates in understanding the work requirements under H.R. 1 and in minimizing the harm they will cause. Please contact me with any questions or feedback, or if I can be of assistance.
