Early in July, Congress passed a budget reconciliation package that has been referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Estimates show that this bill represents the largest reductions to SNAP and Medicaid in history — nearly $200 billion from SNAP (equating to roughly 6 billion meals per year) and more than $900 billion from Medicaid, which is estimated to result in at least 8 million people losing access to healthcare coverage.
In Wyoming, over 27,800 people currently receive SNAP benefits, including 13,000 children and 3,000 older adults. However, around 41% of the population qualifies for SNAP, meaning nearly 212,000 people who qualify do not currently receive benefits. Neighbors who do the hard work needed to apply for SNAP benefits do so out of need. SNAP is a small but vitally important piece of food security in Wyoming.
The future changes to Medicaid under this bill are particularly concerning for our rural communities. In Wyoming, more people receive and rely on Medicaid coverage than their urban counterparts due to lower incomes, a greater percentage of older adults, higher cost of private insurance, and fewer private coverage options. Nearly 40% of children living in rural communities are covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), while almost 20% of adults under age 65 are covered by Medicaid. The changes made in this bill to Medicaid will lead to unsustainably high costs of care for our most vulnerable rural residents, according to the National Rural Health Foundation.
Regarding the SNAP reductions that are expected to take effect starting in 2025, changes will include:
- Increased paperwork and administrative hurdles, adding to the already difficult application and approval process outlined above
- Tighter eligibility requirements
- Reduced flexibility to adjust benefits in response to food inflation
- A shift of costs from the federal government to states beginning in 2028
These changes will make it harder for families to access the resources they need to stay healthy and fed. For context: Every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine.
The proposed Medicaid changes will force many to make painful choices between essential medical care and putting food on the table — something no one should have to face.
At Food Bank of Wyoming, we are deeply concerned about the ripple effects these changes will have on communities across the state. We and our Hunger Relief Partners are already seeing rising demand and these policy alterations will only increase the strain.
Please know that we remain committed to our mission to nourish anyone in Wyoming experiencing food insecurity.
Thank you for your support in helping us ensure that no one in Wyoming goes hungry.
Explore the ways you can support Food Bank of Wyoming and your neighbors below:
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Include Food Bank of Wyoming in your estate plans
Learn more about the work Food Bank of Wyoming does across the state
