Indiana Senate prioritizes changes to Medicaid and SNAP
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Tightening access to welfare benefits is the top priority for Indiana's Senate Republicans this year.
Why it matters: Allegations of fraud and abuse in other states and heightened anti-immigrant sentiment nationwide inspired legislation that analysts say would push an unknown number of Hoosiers out of assistance programs that help them afford health care coverage and food.
What they're saying: "The generosity of Hoosiers should never be exploited by those who have broken our laws to enter this country," said Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), author of Senate Bill 1.
- "We are drawing a hard line in the sand: Indiana's public safety net is for vulnerable legal residents, not for illegal aliens. SB 1 ensures that not a single cent of hardworking Hoosier taxpayers' money subsidizes illegal immigration."
Driving the news: SB 1 passed the Senate 38-8, along largely party lines, last week.
- It would mandate rigorous verification of legal status for all applicants to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
- Under the provisions of SB 1, any aid applicant who fails to verify legal residence would be referred to DHS "for investigation and deportation proceedings."
- It also would increase eligibility checks for the SNAP and Indiana's Medicaid expansion program known as the Healthy Indiana Plan.
Between the lines: SB 1 would also end the Broad Based Categorical Eligibility program, which allows recipients of other welfare benefits to automatically qualify for SNAP, and codify Gov. Mike Braun's policy prohibiting SNAP benefits from being spent on candy, pop and other sugary items.
Zoom in: Nearly 275,000 Hoosier households receive SNAP benefits.
- Ending the categorical eligibility program would eliminate about 3,000 participants, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency.
- LSA said HIP and Medicaid eligibility changes would result in "an indeterminate decrease in enrollment."
What's next: The House will take up SB 1 in the second half of the legislative session, starting next week.