
NC counties face $52M SNAP cost hike as federal Medicaid rules restrict noncitizen access
Effective October 1, 2026, new federal regulations from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act impose significant financial burdens on North Carolina counties for SNAP administration and restrict Medicaid eligibility for certain noncitizens. While children under 19 and recently pregnant lawful residents remain eligible, the changes are expected to increase administrative costs by $52 million this fiscal year and $69 million annually starting in 2027.













