Indiana House backs bill with stricter verification for SNAP, Medicaid eligibility

(INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — A Republican priority bill that toughens eligibility and verification rules for Medicaid and food assistance programs advanced from the Indiana House on Monday despite repeated warnings from Democrats that the changes would add “bureaucratic” hurdles and push eligible Hoosiers out of coverage.

Senate Bill 1  passed in a 62-31 vote, with Democrats opposed along with four Republicans: Becky Cash of Zionsville, Ed Clere of New Albany, Dave Hall of Norman and Ben Smaltz of Auburn. It needs one final Senate vote before going to the governor.

A top 2026 priority for Senate Republicans, the measure seeks to tighten income, asset and work requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, while also expanding verification of immigration status and directing state agencies to share certain information with federal authorities when eligibility can’t b...