In July, President Donald Trump signed HR1, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” prompting lawmakers in Washington State to evaluate its implications for Medicaid and SNAP benefits. The legislation is projected to reduce federal Medicaid spending by approximately $1 trillion over the next decade. Starting in 2027, it will require eligible Americans aged 19 to 63 to work, attend school, or volunteer for at least 80 hours each month to retain their coverage.
HR1 includes certain exemptions for specific groups, such as caregivers, parents with children under 14, and individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders. Additionally, the responsibility for ensuring that eligible residents receive SNAP benefits, previously known as food stamps, will increasingly fall to the states. The work requirement age will rise to 64, and existing exemptions from work requirements will be removed, among other adjustments.
As Washington State officials analyze how these changes will affect residents, they have identified several waivers that could alleviate some of the impacts, according to Gregerson. The legislature is set to reconvene next year, during which lawmakers will address the supplemental budget.
The latest economic forecast for the state is not optimistic as the year comes to a close. If the economy fails to meet projected growth, funding for existing programs may dwindle, complicating efforts to address new needs. While Gregerson expresses concern over the significant shift in responsibility for these programs to the state, Gildon believes there are potential benefits.
For instance, aspects of the proposed budget aim to streamline benefit distribution to prevent individuals from receiving assistance from multiple states, potentially reducing costs for Washington. Gildon argues that if Democrats in Olympia are committed to making necessary adjustments, it may be possible to maintain benefits without raising taxes.
