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PANDEMIC SNAP, MEDICAID PROGRAMS FACE CUTS - IMPACT COULD BE DEVASTATING

Pandemic aid SNAP Benefits ("Food Stamps") are ending on March 1st. The 'temporary' extra benefits ending may cost some families as much as $90 a month! USDA says the 'temporary' benefits never meant to be permanent.
Food insecurity advocates say it's going to increase demands on local food banks and community run free food cupboards.

Many families not eligible under usual welfare/ human services eligibility circumstances got the Pandemic benefits; those on Public Assistance and Social Security programs received additional money on their Access card accounts each month. Both will change on March 1st.

Public benefit recipients who have a balance on their cards, will still be able to use it. They will not be penalized, and those benefits will not be taken back. Those not typically eligible, will not be able to use any balance on their Access card after March 1st. They will be "turned off" because they are not eligible under USDA/SNAP guidelines.
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Additionally, Medicaid is reviewing every recipient for continuing eligibility between now and 2024. It's estimated millions could lose eligibility under States' Medicaid expansion. Those deemed ineligible would have to enter the Affordable Healthcare marketplace, so called "Obamacare". While this may not be very expensive; as little as $10 a month, for some - it is expected that many may end up paying more.

TANF - Transitional Aid for Needy Families - (including children) has long been a target of legislators who promote themselves as Welfare Reform candidates. Children covered by Medicaid would remain eligible. AFDC - Aid For Dependent Children (includes PA's CHIP - Healthcare insurance specifically for children) would fare well even amid massive nationwide cuts. In Pennsylvania, CHIP covers kids - regardless of income.

Welfare rights advocates nationwide are bracing for the fallout of these measures. Many Americans are still not fully recovered from the economic impact of the COVID19 Pandemic. While unemployment is down; employment and available jobs are plentiful - inflation is at a nationwide high.

As these cuts are made, it's unclear if the welfare system will update or change the eligibility criteria given current economic realities. Such new regulations usually require legislation to enact them. Rural areas, Native Americans living on reservations and those at the lowest end of the income scale are going to be hardest hit by both decisions.

Only time will tell the true total impact on those most needy across the United States. Many working poor now hold more than one job. In two wage earner families at least one wage earner works more than one job - either full or part time.

Latest US Census Bureau data and Department of Labor predictions don't foresee a downturn in poverty; in cities, or suburban or rural areas. Social services providers forecast an increasing demand for services, and inability to provide for as many recipients with increasingly limited resources. Already stressed non profits and churches have faced increased demand for nearly three years now.

With the welfare rolls being cut; yet, more and more becoming in need of those services - experts simply say, "It's going to get worse before it gets any better."

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