Omaha, Neb. – As of Oct. 1, roughly 1,000 refugees and illegal immigrants in Nebraska lost Medicaid coverage when the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act went into effect. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services estimates the change will push many families toward higher out‑of‑pocket health expenses and increase pressure on local charitable services.
Local charities feel the strain
Pastor Peter Karanja, who leads the Hanscom Park United Methodist Church and runs the All People’s Pantry, says the pantry’s food‑distribution events have become more costly and more crowded. “One food event normally costs about 10 to 12 thousand dollars, and that’s when people are more generous,” Karanja explained. “We were done in less than two hours and more than 200 families drove through to pick up food.”
Der Yang, who heads refugee services at the Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement, warned that the loss of Medicaid makes self‑sufficiency “really impossible now because you can’t really put a cost on how much healthcare is going to cost.” She added, “It’s taking a fatal turn because people can’t afford to see a doctor.”
Federal policy rationale
The Trump administration argues that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a necessary step to curb federal spending and ensure that immigration‑related benefits are limited to those who legally qualify. Administration officials contend that the law encourages personal responsibility and reduces reliance on welfare programs, aligning with constitutional principles of limited government and fiscal prudence.
While critics label the change as a hardship for vulnerable newcomers, the administration maintains that the policy protects taxpayers and preserves resources for citizens and legal residents.
Community response
Local leaders and faith‑based groups are mobilizing to fill the gap. The All People’s Pantry, the Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement, and other nonprofits are seeking additional donations and volunteers to help families navigate the new health‑care landscape.
“We are calling on our community to step up,” Karanja said. “The need is real, and we must show the love of Christ through action.”
Yang echoed the call for community support, noting that without Medicaid many families may forgo essential medical care, leading to longer‑term health crises that could strain emergency services.
What’s next?
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance to affected individuals. Meanwhile, local charities are urging donors to contribute, emphasizing that the increased demand is a direct result of the federal policy shift.
For those seeking assistance, the All People’s Pantry remains open on weekdays, and the Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement offers case‑management services to help families explore alternative health‑care options.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
