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Committee shifts SNAP administrative burden and funds Medicaid system changes and work-requirement supports
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Summary
Lawmakers approved budget adjustments moving SNAP administrative cost responsibilities toward the state and added general-fund dollars for Medicaid expansion work requirements and $1.96 million (one-time) for eligibility system changes after lawmakers were told requirements changed and costs rose.
Alex Williamson (LSO) told the committee the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Welfare budget includes three enhancements tied to prior legislation: an adjustment of SNAP administrative costs to a 75% state / 25% federal split, additional staffing and supports for Medicaid expansion work and community engagement, and a one-time request for Medicaid eligibility system changes to accommodate eligibility redeterminations every six months. The analyst provided a darker purple handout with breakdowns and anticipated cost ranges.
Senator Cook moved the package, explaining the eligibility system change cost rose from an original $1,000,000 request to about $1,960,000 because requirements changed. He urged members to support the motion and confirmed the $1,960,000 system change was intended as one-time per the governor’s recommendation. Members asked about federal/state responsibility and potential long-term state fiscal exposure; Senator Wintrow and others noted the system and work requirements follow legislation already enacted.
The committee approved the funding adjustments and system-change one-time request and recorded the roll-call tallies; the chair carried a do-pass recommendation for the Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare.
