Update 7.11.25
On July 5, 2025, the bill was signed into law. We don’t yet know many of the details of how it will be implemented. We will continue to provide updates as more becomes known.
For now, Medicaid has not changed. Everyone can and should continue to apply for and use benefits and services.
We do know that the new law will require able-bodied Medicaid recipients, ages 19 to 64, to work 80 hours a month. The Medicaid work requirements won’t begin until 2027 and some states could get extensions. Also, the frequency of Medicaid eligibility checks will increase to every six months, starting Dec. 31, 2026.
The new law also changes eligibility for SNAP, the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, once known as food stamps. Coming soon work requirements will mandate able-bodied adults up to age 64 work over 80 hours a month to receive benefits. This is an increase from the current age limit of 54. Veterans and people who are homeless are no longer exempt from work requirements.
Parents with a child under 18 were previously exempt from work requirements to receive SNAP. The law changes the exemption to parents with a child under 14.
Able-bodied adults without dependents are limited to 3 months of SNAP over a 3-year period, unless they meet an exemption or can show that they are working, volunteering, or attending school.
Able-bodied work requirements are not technically new, but most of Pennsylvania has been waived from them. The waiver ends in 6 weeks on Aug. 31.
We don’t yet know when the work requirements will take effect. We will provide more information regarding SNAP changes and how to request exemptions in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, continue to apply for SNAP as usual.