Tag Archives: #medicaid

What Trump’s New Bill Means for Medicaid and SNAP: A Closer Look at the Coming Changes – The Good, the Bad, and the Reality

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President Donald Trump’s highly publicized “big, beautiful bill” has passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House by Thursday. Once signed into law, it will bring some of the most significant changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in over a decade.

These updates are being promoted by House Republicans as necessary steps to reduce what they call “waste, fraud, and abuse.” However, for millions of Americans who depend on these vital programs, the upcoming changes could have serious implications—both positive and concerning.

This guide breaks down what’s happening, when the changes will take effect, and how they may impact you or your loved ones.

Medicaid: What’s Changing and When

🛠 New Work Requirements (Effective Dec. 31, 2026)
Able-bodied adults aged 19–64 without dependents will need to work, volunteer, or participate in a job training program for at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for Medicaid. This rule aims to encourage workforce participation but may pose challenges for individuals in rural areas or with limited access to job opportunities.

📆 More Frequent Eligibility Checks (Effective Dec. 2026)
States will be required to verify eligibility for Medicaid recipients every six months instead of once a year. This could lead to coverage disruptions if paperwork is delayed or incomplete.

🚫 Medicaid Coverage for Undocumented Immigrants (Effective Oct. 1, 2027)
The bill prohibits states from using federal Medicaid dollars to provide coverage to undocumented immigrants. States that do so with their own funds could face federal Medicaid cuts.

💰 Higher Co-Pays (Effective Oct. 1, 2028)
Medicaid recipients who earn above the federal poverty level (around $15,500 annually for a single person) may see their co-pays rise to as much as $35.

🏥 Funding Restrictions on Planned Parenthood
Medicaid funds will be prohibited from going to providers like Planned Parenthood if they offer abortion services, even with separate funding streams. This could reduce access to essential reproductive health services for low-income women.

📄 Increased Paperwork Requirements
The bill includes more stringent documentation checks to verify income and residency. This could result in added burdens for applicants and current beneficiaries—especially those who move frequently or lack stable housing.

📉 Shrinking Coverage Over Time
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), 11.8 million people could lose Medicaid coverage by 2034. Another report from Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee suggests this number could be closer to 20 million. That’s nearly a quarter of the current 71.2 million individuals enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

🗓 Shortened Enrollment and Retroactive Coverage Periods (Effective 2027)
The ACA (Obamacare) enrollment period will be reduced to just November through December. Retroactive Medicaid coverage will shrink from 3 months to only 1 month, limiting the ability to backdate coverage for medical bills incurred before applying.

SNAP (Food Stamps): Key Changes Ahead

🥫 End of SNAP-Ed Program (End of 2025)
The nutrition education and obesity prevention program known as SNAP-Ed will be eliminated. This could reduce support for families learning how to prepare affordable, healthy meals.

💸 State Cost-Sharing (Starts in 2027)
The federal government will reduce its share of administrative SNAP funding from 50% to 25%. States will now have to cover 75% of these costs. By 2028, states must also contribute at least 5% of the benefits themselves.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Work Requirement Expansion
The age range for work requirements will be extended from age 54 to age 64. In addition, the age limit for classifying children as dependents (which affects a parent’s exemption from work requirements) will be lowered from 18 to just 7 years old.

🚫 Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants
As with Medicaid, undocumented immigrants will be prohibited from receiving SNAP benefits under the new bill.

What This Means for You

The Good

  • Supporters argue the bill promotes self-sufficiency and reduces unnecessary government spending.
  • States will have more oversight and clarity in managing Medicaid and SNAP funds.
  • There’s a focus on streamlining and updating eligibility systems to prevent fraud.

The Bad

  • Millions risk losing access to life-saving healthcare and food assistance.
  • Increased paperwork and verification requirements may create barriers for vulnerable populations.
  • States with limited resources could struggle to take on the financial burdens shifted from the federal level.

The Ugly

  • Critics warn that these changes disproportionately affect seniors, low-income families, and communities of color.
  • Women’s health services could be reduced or eliminated in some regions.
  • Hunger and healthcare access disparities may worsen if support systems are weakened or delayed.

Final Thoughts

While the intention behind the bill is, according to its proponents, to reform and strengthen safety net programs, the actual impact will be deeply felt by millions of Americans. Whether these changes will result in stronger communities or create deeper divides in access to essential services remains to be seen.

If you or someone you know relies on Medicaid or SNAP, now is the time to start planning. Stay informed. Ask questions. And most importantly, prepare to advocate for the resources your household depends on.

📜 Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, medical, or financial advice. Policy details and government actions are subject to change. Readers are encouraged to consult official state and federal sources or a qualified professional to assess how legislative changes may impact their personal circumstances. This article reflects the author’s research and interpretation based on currently available information at the time of writing.

✍️ About the Author

A.L. Childers is a prolific author, truth-seeker, and advocate for everyday Americans navigating complex systems—from healthcare and government policy to parenting and personal healing. With over 200 published works across nonfiction, historical analysis, and alternative health, Childers brings clarity, passion, and purpose to every page.

Raised in the Deep South and sharpened by real-life challenges, Childers uses her platform to empower others with knowledge the mainstream often buries. Whether writing about systemic injustice, neurodivergence, or how to reclaim your health naturally, her voice is bold, compassionate, and fiercely independent.

Some of her bestselling and most talked-about books include:

📚 The Hidden Empire: A Journey Through Millennia of Oligarchic Rule
📚 No Return: A Five-Step Plan to Escape Reincarnation on Prison Planet Earth
📚 The Affordable Care Act Agent: Your Guide to Accessing Affordable Healthcare
📚 Roots to Health: How I Healed My Hypothyroidism and Cleared My Arteries Naturally
📚 The Archonic Influence on Human Perception and Their Role in Human History
📚 The Soul That Could Not Be Erased: Past Lives, Power, and the Fight to Remember

You can explore her full collection on her official Amazon Author Page here:
🔗 Author Page – A.L. Childers

Stay connected for more insights, truth bombs, and life-saving knowledge.

My Parents Worked Their Whole Lives for This House — Now Medicaid Wants to Take It?”

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By A.L. Childers | Blogger | Advocate | Daughter of Fighters

Let’s talk about something most families don’t know — until it’s too late.

Your parents work their entire lives for their home. They finally retire. They get sick. And suddenly, the government can come in after they pass and take the house — to pay back what Medicaid spent on their care.

It’s called Medicaid Estate Recovery — and unfortunately, it’s real.
And it’s legal.
And in most cases, avoidable — if you plan ahead.

I posted about this and was met with dozens of comments like:

❌ “This is a lie.”
❌ “You don’t owe Medicaid anything!”
❌ “They can’t take your house unless you sign it over!”
❌ “This only happens with Medicare!”
❌ “Just put your kid’s name on the account.”
❌ “If you set up a trust, you’re safe.”
❌ “That’s a scam. They tried it on me and I told them off.”

And while these comments come from a place of experience and emotion, many are dangerously misinformed.

So let’s break this down — with truth, compassion, and receipts.

💡 What Is Medicaid Estate Recovery?

The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) is a federal mandate (42 U.S. Code § 1396p) that requires states to recover the costs of long-term care paid for by Medicaid from the estate of a deceased recipient who was 55 or older.

That includes:

  • Nursing home costs
  • Home health services
  • Hospitalizations
  • Even medications in some cases

If your loved one received Medicaid benefits after age 55, their estate — including their house, land, vehicles, bank accounts, etc. — can be legally claimed by the state to recover those costs after they die.

✅ What’s True (and What’s Not) from the Facebook Comments

✅ “It depends on the state.” – TRUE

Each state administers Medicaid slightly differently, but all are required to recover long-term care costs from the estate unless specific exemptions apply.

🔗 Source: Medicaid.gov – Estate Recovery

❌ “You don’t sign anything, so they can’t take anything.” – FALSE

Medicaid recipients don’t need to “sign away” their house. Federal law authorizes recovery regardless of what you sign. Your house is fair game unless properly protected beforehand.

✅ “A POD (Payable on Death) account can protect assets.” – SOMETIMES TRUE

A POD account can bypass probate — but only for that account. It doesn’t protect homes or other assets from estate recovery.

❌ “Medicare takes your stuff, not Medicaid.” – FALSE

Medicare doesn’t recover anything. Medicaid does. Huge difference.

✅ “You can protect your assets by using a trust or planning in advance.” – TRUE (with a catch)

Revocable trusts do not protect homes from Medicaid recovery. But irrevocable trusts — if set up at least 5 years before applying for Medicaid — can shield property from the state.

🛑 Why So Many Families Lose the House

Because they didn’t know the rules.

Because they waited until Mom or Dad was already in the nursing home.

Because no one told them that the state can file a claim against their parent’s estate — and force the sale of the family home to cover care costs.

And because “just putting your name on the deed” often disqualifies your parent from Medicaid benefits altogether if not done carefully.

🛡 How to Protect Your Parents’ Home (Before It’s Too Late)

1. Talk to an Elder Law Attorney

They can help you create an irrevocable Medicaid asset protection trust, which removes the house from your parent’s estate — if done 5 years before needing care.

2. Avoid DIY Deeds or Joint Ownership Without Legal Guidance

Putting your name on the house may seem easy, but it can trigger gift taxes, Medicaid penalties, or even cause disqualification from benefits.

3. File a “Transfer on Death” (TOD) deed where allowed

Some states (like Missouri, Ohio, Texas) allow you to file a TOD deed, which passes property directly to heirs upon death, bypassing probate and recovery. North Carolina does not currently offer TOD deeds for real estate, but stay updated with state law.

4. Set up PODs for bank accounts

For smaller assets, Payable on Death designations can help bypass estate recovery — but this won’t protect your house.

❤️ Final Thoughts

If your loved one needs Medicaid, that doesn’t make them a failure.
But if your loved one worked their whole life to leave you something — their home, their peace, their legacy — you owe it to them to protect it.

Please don’t wait until they’re already in a hospital bed.
Plan ahead.
Ask questions.
And for the love of all things Southern and sacred — don’t take legal advice from Facebook comments. 😅

📌 TL;DR: Medicaid can take your parents’ house after they die — unless you plan properly.
Protect your legacy. Protect their memory. And please, do your research from credible sources — not rumors.

📢 Share this blog if you want to help protect another family from losing everything they’ve worked for.

#EstateRecovery #MedicaidTruth #ProtectYourLegacy #ElderLaw #FamilyFirst #TruthOverRumors #MedicaidFacts #MedicaidEstateRecovery #ALChildersWrites

Disclaimer

The information and recipes in the blog are based on the author’s research and personal experiences. It’s for entertainment purposes. It’s only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author does not render legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance is the author responsible for any direct or indirect loss incurred by using the information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended to replace what your healthcare provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences from using any of the suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters about your health should be supervised by a healthcare professional. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. This blog is designed as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power; educate yourself and find the answer to your healthcare needs. Wisdom is a beautiful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.

The views and services offered by Thehypothyroidismismchick.com are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical assistance but as an alternative for those seeking solutions for better health. We do not claim to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease but simply help you make physical and mental changes in your own body to help your body heal itself. Remember that results may vary, and if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a severe condition, you should consult a physician or other appropriate medical professional before using any products or information on this site. Thehypothyroidisimchick.com assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms. Our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy.

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information on or available through this website, is for general information purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the opinions of the writer. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read or accessed through this website.

This site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice, legal advice, or professional services. If you feel that you have a medical problem, you should seek the advice of your physician or health care practitioner. For additional information, please see our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy.

Our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy. | thehypothyroidismchick

Nativagating the Medicare Maze           

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 Simple Tips and 25 Most Commonly Asked Questions

Navigating Medicare should not be feel like a maze but it can be a complicated and confusing process. The amount of anecdotal information concerning choices for Medicare coverage can be difficult to filter.  I want to help you learn and understand the basic Medicare benefits from the federal government that you are entitled to and have earned as a worker here in the United States. Medicare is complex, and it can often feel overwhelming when you’re learning about Medicare and shopping around for coverage for the first time.  Medicare faces a number of important issues and challenges, perhaps none greater than providing affordable, quality care to an aging population while keeping the program financially secure for future generations. My goal is always the same with everyone or when I am simply writing an article for publication.  I want to provide helpful information about Medicare and protect you from unnecessary spending costs. Those already in Medicare or aging into Medicare should be treated with courtesy, dignity and respect at all times. Of course, I won’t be able to answer all the questions in one simple book with only 25 of the most commonly asked questions.

This book is meant to help you sift through some of the noise to get the information you need.

The best overall quick reference guide to understanding your Medicare options.
In this book, you will learn numerous need-to-know gems. Many people are unaware of the dangers that fall at their feet when they decide to retire. If you are not prepared, you can be penalized tremendously. It is shocking what may lay ahead after you have worked all these years paying your taxes as a good American citizen. Try not to be fooled or dismayed! As a licensed agent, I was absolutely shocked at what may lie ahead for our precious seniors. The snowballing effect of these penalties for Part A, Part B, and Part D can really add up to a lot of money. If you do not figure out a plan, it can consume an entire chunk of your social security benefit payment.

BONUS ADD-ON **** Hilarious Jokes for the Elderly

Telling jokes to friends is a great way to get a laugh if the joke is funny enough and reaches the right audience. I certainly hope these jokes tickle your funny bones because the experience of aging is universal.

(Click on title link to order)

Nativagating the Medicare Maze: Simple Tips and 25 Most Commonly Asked Questions

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is also the creator and founder of the website the hypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. She is the published author of : A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, The Ultimate guide to healing hypothyroidism and  A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way. You can find all these books on Amazon.   This blog may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.

Thehypothyroidismchick.com is dedicated to covering health and science news that matters most to our generation. We cover a wide range of stories, but ultimately we are driven by two core values: first, to contribute to our readers’ understanding of what is a very complex and constantly changing field of information, and second, to keep in mind the ultimate “smell test” — we want our stories to be the kind of things you talk about at a bar with your friends. Thehypothyroidismchick.com determines coverage based on relevance, clinical significance, and editorial integrity. We give no priority to commercial considerations, and will always clearly distinguish between factual content, commentary, and opinions to avoid misleading readers with institutional propaganda. and speculation.

There is a war raging against humanity and our earth.  We have been passively indoctrinated and so utterly pre-programmed that we do not ask the questions that need to ask. We have laid our trust completely in those in power or someone with a title behind their name. People conditioned blindly believing in things simply because enough people assured us it was true. Infectious diseases have been irradiated but chronic diseases are the new black plague of our modern time. This book is profoundly personal as it represents a mission brimming with meaning.  As I reflect on extraordinary truths about our nation’s health history, current, and future, I also offer you wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We must stop the atrocities if we want to become a healthier nation in the future. We must stop the atrocities if we want the human race to survive. I hope my voice and advocacy will continue to help lead the way and this book will make changes for current and future generations to come. No, I simply do not have all the answers but I have written plenty in this book to make you start questioning EVERYTHING.

What you are about to discover is terrifying.

Poisoned Profit

The Keto Autoimmune Protocol Healing Book for Women: Strengthen Your Immunity, Fight Inflammation and Love Your Incredible Body

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A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s: How I healed my Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Disorder with Personalized Nutrition

I hoped you’ve been enlightened and not frightened by my latest blog — A tale of recovery to save a woman who caught OCD, Hypothyroidism and an Autoimmune Disorder –

Please follow along with me on this journey of discovery as I share with you my brush of madness with exquisite clarity. Luckily, I was never a quick fix-it junkie where I said no to many suggestions from board certified or certifiable doctors because I felt it in my soul that it was merely a banaide being placed on my issues. The names of certain doctors have been changed because frankly, I don’t want to be sued for proven their lack in their field. 

Hippocrates was right when he said: Let they food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.

Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.

The views and services offered by Thehypothyroidismismchick.com are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical service, but as an alternative for those who are seeking solutions for better health. We do not claim to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease, but simply help you make physical and mental changes in your own body in order to help your body heal itself. Keep in mind that results may vary, and if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a serious condition, you should consult a physician or other appropriate medical professional prior to using any products or information on this site. Thehypothyroidisimchick.com assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms. Our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy.

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the opinions of the writer. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website.

This site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice, legal advice, or professional services. If you feel that you have a medical problem, you should seek the advice of your physician or health care practitioner. For additional information please see Our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy.

Our full disclosure, terms of use, and privacy policy. | thehypothyroidismchick