Changes to SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility: What You Need to Know in 2026
If you're a recipient of SNAP (food benefits) or Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid), you may have heard about changes in how often you need to renew, what paperwork is required, or even whether you still qualify. These shifts impact your access to food, housing, healthcare, and mental health services. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we want to help you understand what’s changing and how to stay connected to the support you deserve.
Why Are These Changes Happening? As of December 2025, changes have been made to SNAP eligibility, and by the end of 2026, both federal and state governments have made major updates to Medicaid eligibility rules.
What’s Changing with Medicaid (OHP)?
More Frequent Renewals: OHP members now need to actively renew their coverage annually (or more often in some cases).
Tighter Income Verification: You may be asked to submit proof of income, residency, or other documents to stay enrolled.
Work Requirements (coming by the end of 2026): Some federal policy changes will require able-bodied adults without dependents to meet work or training requirements to stay eligible in certain programs. While Oregon hasn’t implemented these yet, they’re on the horizon.
What’s Changing with SNAP?
Expanded Work Requirements (starting December 2025): Adults ages 18–52 who don’t have children or documented disabilities may need to meet work or training requirements (80 hours/month) to keep their SNAP benefits.
More Frequent Recertification: Like OHP, SNAP benefits now require more consistent updates and verification.
What This Means for You These policy shifts can cause:
Gaps in coverage if renewal notices are missed
Increased stress and paperwork for folks already managing a lot
Reduced access to therapy or medication if insurance is lost
But you don’t have to navigate it alone.
How Sprout Therapy PDX Can Help Our case management and peer support services are here to:
Help you understand your eligibility and renewal timelines
Support with paperwork, appeals, and navigating state systems
Work with your therapist and psychiatric provider if care is interrupted
You deserve consistent care—and we’re here to advocate for that with you.
If you’ve lost benefits, missed a renewal, or are worried about what’s next, know this: it’s not your fault. These systems are confusing on purpose. You deserve support that centers your dignity, not your paperwork.
Do you need help maintaining your OHP or SNAP coverage? Sprout Therapy PDX offers case management and peer support services for existing clients. Reach out today to get connected with someone who can walk you through the process.