Committee shifts SNAP administrative burden and funds Medicaid system changes and work-requirement supports

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.