Maryland leaders are raising alarms that the new federal law known as H.R. 1 – the “Big Beautiful Bill” – will soon jeopardize health and nutrition benefits for hundreds of thousands of residents. While the legislation adds work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants, officials say the real threat comes from the administrative burden it creates.
SNAP work requirements already cutting benefits
According to Larry Handerhan of the Maryland Department of Human Services, about 80,000 new SNAP recipients will be subject to the work‑requirement provisions. He noted that more than 36,000 Marylanders have already lost SNAP benefits since the law took effect. Handerhan added that some refugees and asylum recipients are now ineligible unless they possess a green card.
Medicaid expansion faces sweeping new rules
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, the state’s Medicaid expansion program – covering roughly 320,000 Marylanders – will be subject to new work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews. Perrie Briskin, Maryland’s Medicaid director, clarified that children and pregnant women are exempt, but warned that up to 152,000 people – nearly half of the expansion population – could lose coverage through 2028.
Briskin emphasized that the projected losses are not driven by a lack of employment. “The high numbers we predict of those losing coverage are due to red tape, not due to the fact that they aren’t already working,” she said.
State response: outreach and technology
To mitigate the impact, Maryland is deploying outreach campaigns, automation tools, and, in some cases, artificial intelligence to help eligible residents navigate the paperwork. Officials urge Medicaid and SNAP recipients to keep their contact information up‑to‑date and to respond promptly to renewal notices.
What families should know
Parents and caregivers should watch for mailed notices and be prepared to provide documentation of employment, school enrollment, or other qualifying activities. The state’s website offers step‑by‑step guides, and local community organizations are being enlisted to assist those who may struggle with the new reporting requirements.
Broader implications
The Maryland experience could serve as a bellwether for other states as H.R. 1’s provisions roll out nationwide. Critics argue the law threatens the safety net for vulnerable families, while supporters claim it encourages self‑sufficiency. Regardless of the political debate, the immediate concern for Marylanders is ensuring that paperwork does not become a barrier to essential health and nutrition services.
For the latest updates and resources, residents can visit the Maryland Department of Human Services website or call the dedicated helpline at 1‑800‑555‑MEDI.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
