Governor: state reviewing federal Medicaid and SNAP changes; work requirement expected to reduce coverage for some

The governor addressed concerns about pending federal changes to Medicaid and the possible effect on state residents, saying the administration is working with the legislature and state health officials to understand and plan for impacts.

In response to a reporter question, the governor referenced an estimate mentioned in the briefing that about 188,000 Utahns could lose Medicaid coverage under proposed changes. He said many of the cuts would be phased in later and that the state is examining how work requirements and other policy changes would affect coverage. The governor said officials are exploring programs and past approaches to help people who might lose coverage, including outreach to help people enroll in other coverage options.

The governor cautioned that the exact numbers were not yet available and that officials were coordinating with the state Department of Health to implement changes correctly. He warned that if people lose insurance and rely on emergency care, costs ultimately rise and that the state has considered programs to mitigate those effects.

Why it matters: changes to Medicaid eligibility affect health coverage for low-income residents and have downstream effects on hospital uncompensated care and state budgets.

Details and context: the governor said the administration will continue to analyze the legislative and federal timelines and that some implementation details — including the number of people affected and the timing — remained subject to further review.