RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — Major changes to both SNAP benefits and Medicaid will take effect across North Carolina starting Oct. 1, 2026.
New SNAP costs will hit N.C. counties on Oct. 1 and residents will be forced to pay millions of dollars more to fund food assistance.
According to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, federal changes could cost North Carolina counties an estimated $52 million in additional SNAP administrative costs this fiscal year and about $69 million annually beginning in 2027.
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According to the North Carolina State Auditor’s Office, county DSS offices handle SNAP applications and eligibility determinations for more than 1 million North Carolinians.
Meanwhile, new federal rules going into effect Oct. 1 will limit Medicaid eligibility for some noncitizens, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Many noncitizens will remain eligible, including children under 19 and people who are pregnant or gave birth within the past 12 months who are lawfully residing in the U.S., according to NCDHHS.
The changes stem from provisions in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes changes to both SNAP and Medicaid.
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Pisgah Legal Services in western North Carolina is offering free help to those affected and will also hold an online information session explaining how public benefits could affect immigration cases. The session is at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18.
You can click here to apply for help through Pisgah Legal Services or call (828)253-0406 or toll-free at (800)489-6144.