People who used federal food assistance and healthcare programs received expanded benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. But now that the pandemic emergency declaration is over, people are starting to feel the effects of a return to the status quo. That means fewer people qualify for Medicaid – the federal healthcare program for low-income individuals. And families on SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – are getting fewer dollars for groceries. “These are choices that we make,” said Carrie Chapman, Senior Director of Litigation and Advocacy at the Legal Council for Health Justice. “We decide in this country that we think it is ok for people to be hungry.” Chapman joined The Rundown to explain options if your SNAP benefits have dwindled, how you can make sure you don’t lose access to Medicaid and why a return to the status quo might not be good enough.
