Denver Human Services Outlines Changes to SNAP, Medicaid Eligibility

Denver Human Services Outlines Changes to SNAP, Medicaid Eligibility

Published on December 08, 2025

In July 2025, the federal government passed a new law (H.R. 1: "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"), that changed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid eligibility in significant ways:

For SNAP, beginning Nov. 1, 2025:

• Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 64 and younger need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
• Parents whose youngest child is aged 14 or older may also need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.

For Medicaid, the same groups will be required to work, volunteer or go to school 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. However, the changes to Medicaid eligibility will not be implemented until January 2027 at the earliest.

Additional changes apply to noncitizen immigrants:

• Noncitizen immigrants who are NOT Legal Permanent Residents (noncitizens without green cards) will remain ineligible for SNAP.
• Some immigrants with humanitarian relief, such as asylum or refugee status, will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1, 2026.
• ALL noncitizen immigrants will remain eligible for emergency Medicaid.

More information can be found at the websites of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for Medicaid and the Colorado Department of Human Services for SNAP.

Spread the Word - Downloadable Flyers

We encourage you to spread the word and share this information with the community and your network. Download printable flyers (English / Spanish / Vietnamese) using the links below:

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About Denver Human Services
At Denver Human Services (DHS), we envision a healthy community where people are connected, supported, safe and well. One in three people in Denver turn to DHS for support at all stages of life. Our employees help children, older adults, families, and individuals navigate social and economic pressures by connecting them to services and experts who support their overall well-being.

Our mission is to compassionately serve Denver residents by connecting them to basic needs, protective services, and community supports to improve their well-being.

For more information, visit https://www.denvergov.org/humanservices.

Media contact

Daniel Hernandez
Public Information Officer
Denver Human Services

Phone: (720) 955-2596

Email: [email protected]

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