Medicaid eligibility changes for legal immigrants take effect

New federal restrictions on Medicaid eligibility, stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, took effect Thursday. The changes target certain legal immigrants, including refugees and asylees, who will lose their healthcare coverage because they do not yet hold permanent resident status. Green card holders and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants remain eligible.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates these restrictions will reduce federal spending by $6.2 billion and could result in over 100,000 additional uninsured people nationwide by 2034. Local clinics and legal services report concerns that individuals with chronic conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, may delay necessary care until it becomes an emergency.

In addition to Medicaid changes, the SNAP program is facing adjustments. While monthly benefits are adjusted annually for inflation, states will face a greater cost burden, and stricter eligibility requirements are expected to impact household food security. In Philadelphia, officials noted a significant decline in SNAP participation compared to previous years.