H.R. 1 - Impacts to Alaska
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP
Overview
H.R. 1, signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, makes major changes to many policies, tax laws, and public assistance programs, like Medicaid and SNAP and also created the Rural Health Transformation Program.
The state will continue working with Tribal partners, community groups, and other stakeholders to help reduce impacts on Alaskans as much as possible.
Sign up to receive updates about H.R. 1 changes that affect Medicaid and SNAPFor providers and stakeholders:
Medicaid changes
For Medicaid, the law adds new rules for some adults in the expansion group. These adults may need to take part in “work and community engagement” activities, such as working, going to school, or doing volunteer service.
Many people, including children, are exempt from these requirements, including Alaska Native or American Indian people, caregivers, pregnant women, medically frail adults, and others. Some people will need to renew their Medicaid every six months.
The law allows states to add small copayments and limits how far back Medicaid can pay for medical bills when someone enrolls. States may ask the federal government for extra time to put these rules in place if they show they are working toward compliance.
These are preliminary estimates based on information available as of February 2026 as additional information is finalized by CMS these estimates will be updated.
Alaska Community Engagement Requirements Modeling, February 2026 Community Engagement Exemptions: Medically Frail Medicaid Stay Covered partner tool kitSNAP changes
For SNAP, the law updates community engagement requirements for certain adults without dependents.
Similar to Medicaid, there are exemptions, including for Alaska Native or American Indian people, pregnant women, people who are medically unable to work, and adults that live with or care for a child under 14.
Alaska may also request a temporary delay in putting these new rules in place if our unemployment rate stays above a certain level and the state can show progress toward meeting the new requirements.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)