Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?
The One Big Beautiful Bill is recent legislation designed to improve how social services are delivered to children, families, and communities. It includes provisions that strengthen support, enhance efficiency, and create greater accountability.
- When do the changes take effect?
The law was enacted on July 4, 2025. The bill is being implemented in phases over the next few years. Some provisions are effective immediately, while others will roll out in stages to allow agencies and partners time to prepare. See Missouri’s Timeline for more information.
- How will this bill impact the Missouri Department of Social Services staff?
Staff will see changes in processes, training opportunities, and reporting requirements. The goal is to ensure they have the tools and support needed to better serve families and Missouri communities.
- How will H.R.1 affect current programs?
Some programs will be updated or restructured to align with new requirements. Others may remain the same but benefit from additional resources or improved oversight.
- How will progress be measured?
Agencies will track data on service delivery, customer experience, and outcomes for children and families. Regular updates will be shared with staff, partners, and the public.
- Where can I find more information?
Additional resources and updates will be available on the Missouri Department of Social Services webpage as they become available. See Missouri’s Timeline for more information.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Will SNAP benefit levels change?
H.R.1 includes changes to SNAP eligibility. It does not include changes to SNAP benefit levels for SNAP eligible individuals. Benefits will continue to be adjusted annually for inflation.
- How will SNAP changes be monitored?
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service will continue to track program performance, accuracy, and benefit levels. States will report regularly on how they are meeting requirements.
- What are the changes to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements?
- The upper age exception is increasing to 65 and older.
- The exception based on responsibility to care for a dependent child is limited to those with a child under 14 years of age.
- The exceptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and those 24 and younger who aged out of foster care are being removed.
- New exceptions for “an Indian”, “Urban Indian”, and “California Indian” as defined in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act are being established.
- Who is an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian?
Any Indian who is eligible for health services provided by the Indian Health Service.
- When do the work requirement changes take effect in Missouri?
The changes will take effect on November 1, 2025.
- Will I lose my current ABAWD work requirements exemption if it is no longer allowed?
ABAWD statuses will be reevaluated at your next recertification.
- What is changing about the SNAP Utility Allowance?
Only households with an elderly or disabled member which receive a payment of more than $20 under a LIHEAA (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act) program (or similar energy assistance programs), annually, in the month of application or immediately preceding 12 months are automatically eligible for the HCSUA (Heating/Cooling Standard Utility Allowance) to be applied to the household’s case when determining eligibility and benefit amount.
- What is changing about SNAP eligibility for non-citizens?
This provision makes changes to eligibility for SNAP benefits for some non-citizens. Further guidance is forthcoming.
Medicaid
- When do the Medicaid provisions take effect?
Most Medicaid changes begin in 2026 and extend through 2027, with some provisions phased in through 2031 or later. See Missouri’s Timeline for more information.
- Who is eligible for Medicaid under the new law?
- Work Requirements: Adults aged 19-64 must now report 80 hours per month of work, volunteering, caregiving, or school enrollment, unless they qualify for exemptions.
- Non-Citizen Changes: Starting October 1, 2026, Medicaid and CHIP eligibility will be limited to lawful permanent residents, certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and individuals from the Compacts of Free Association nations.
- How often is Medicaid eligibility reviewed?
States must now conduct eligibility redeterminations every six months, rather than annually. This change only applies to participants covered under Adult Medicaid expansion.
- How are Medicaid annual eligibility reviews changing?
Annual eligibility reviews continue to take place and need to be addressed by the recipient or their authorized representative as soon as they are received. Annual renewals are not changing as a result of HR1.