McDowell County warns HR1 changes could cut food-nutrition reimbursements and increase workloads

Sarah Brewer, McDowell Countys human services director, told commissioners the county is preparing for changes she described as coming from "HR1" that will affect benefits administration and economic services workloads.

Brewer said the reimbursement rate for food-nutrition benefits will decrease from 50% to 25% beginning October 2026 and that county finance staff estimate the change could cost McDowell County about $249,000 in fiscal 2027. She said the changes will also alter Medicaid casework: some residents who currently receive expanded Medicaid (Brewer described an approximate figure of residents affected) will face new requirements including proof of job applications and community engagement; staff will need to recertify eligibility more frequently and verify citizenship in some cases, steps the county did not previously perform.

Brewer told the board Economic Services is currently down seven positions and that the department has seven interviews scheduled that week. On foster care, she said Ebenezer Children's Ministries expressed willingness to accept county placements and offered a 3% discount for McDowell County children; eight families are currently enrolled and taking foster-parent training.

Commissioners asked about staffing qualifications and staffing levels; Brewer said Economic Services requires a high school diploma and provides on-the-job training. Brewer said she is participating in meetings about HR1 implementation and will work with finance and County Manager Wooten to prepare. She cautioned the changes "will substantially increase our workloads" and that the county may need additional positions if vacancies remain unfilled before October 2026.

Brewers update was informational; the transcript records questions and acknowledgement but no formal county policy or budget decision during this meeting.