If you or a loved one relies on New York Medicaid or SNAP, you need to pay attention. There is a new federal bill referred to as the “Big Ugly Bill” that is on the horizon to create seismic shifts—and not the kind you’ll like. More than 1.5 million New Yorkers would lose their health coverage, and around 3 million would have their food assistance reduced. Let’s break it down step by step: what’s happening, what it will do to you, and what you can do to prepare.
What’s happening?
Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the new Republican-led federal law would undermine major New York State programs. Hardest hit? Medicaid, the Essential Plan (affordable care), and SNAP benefits (food stamps). Here’s how it all computes:
Key impacts at a glance
1. Medicaid and the essential plan reduction
- Over 2 million New Yorkers would lose their coverage.
- 1.5 million individuals would become completely uninsured.
- 730,000 lawfully present immigrants would lose coverage under the Essential Plan.
- The state will lose $13 billion/year in health care payments.
- Hospitals could be forced to cut back on services or even close down.
- Providers will have to absorb $3 billion/year in uncompensated medical care costs.
2. SNAP (food stamps) cuts
- States are being requested to fund SNAP for the first time in history.
- New York will owe $1.2 billion/year to keep SNAP benefits intact.
- Benefits will be eliminated or decreased by $220/month for as many as 300,000 households.
- $29 million/year cut from SNAP-Ed, which teaches low-income families how to eat healthily on low incomes.
- Small farmers and 18,000+ retailers that accept SNAP could be hurt by lost sales.
Why does it matter?
These cuts won’t just fall on the poor or jobless—these will resound throughout the entire state:
- Hospitals will cut vital services like maternity services or psychiatric services.
- Everyone will wait longer and pay more.
- Farmers and local grocery stores will lose customers, especially in rural areas.
- More families will be pushed toward hunger and food insecurity.
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What can you do?
You may be wondering: Can this be stopped?
New York Governor Hochul and state legislators are fighting back, but they admit they cannot undo all the damage. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Check your Medicaid/Essential Plan eligibility immediately.
- Get necessary documents beforehand, just in case more stringent verification processes are put into effect, so you’re one step ahead.
- Explore other insurance coverage like the NY State of Health Marketplace.
- Keep in touch with local SNAP offices so you will be notified of changes in requirements.
- Contact your representatives. Let them know that these programs are a priority to you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: When do the Medicaid cuts begin?
A: The reductions on Medicaid and the Essential Plan are going to take full effect in 2026.
Q: Will SNAP be eliminated from New York?
A: SNAP will not vanish, but it will be reduced, and requirements will be more stringent—fewer individuals will qualify.
Q: Who is hurt worse by these changes?
A: Low-income households, immigrants, the elderly, the disabled, and rural communities will be impacted the most.
Q: Can I apply for Medicaid now?
A: Yes. It is a good suggestion to enroll or recertify your benefits well before the cutoffs go into effect.
Q: Will hospitals close?
A: Some will reduce the services they offer or eliminate useful services based on lost revenues, especially in rural areas of the state.
Q: What is the FreshConnect program, and why is it important?
A: Doubling SNAP dollars spent on farmers’ markets. Without lower SNAP spending, both family and local farms are losers.
Conclusion
This is not policy-altering—it’s a New York nightmare for its millions. As state officials scramble to keep the damage contained, there are thousands of families that will be forced to do with less. Be vigilant, get informed, and act fast.
If you rely on Medicaid or SNAP, it’s time to prepare. Because when the government labels something as “Big Ugly,” it’s the taxpayer footing the bill.
