Official, New York announces a plan to protect SNAP and Medicaid: this is how it will help residents

If you have SNAP or Medicaid benefits in New York, pay attention: Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new plan to help you maintain your health and food assistance coverage amid changes in federal requirements. The initiative seeks to guide people who might lose their aid, resolve questions about procedures, and facilitate access to support services in the city. The goal is for you to know about the new conditions in time, identify if you qualify for any exemption, and complete the necessary documents before your benefits are interrupted. Below, we explain what the plan consists of, who can receive help, and what steps you can take if you need guidance. MAMDANI LAUNCHES A PLAN TO DEFEND SNAP AND MEDICAID IN NEW YORK Mamdani's plan consists of deploying a municipal guidance team called the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) to help New York residents keep or recover Medicaid and SNAP benefits in the face of new federal requirements. The initiative has $3 million in municipal funding and focuses on neighborhoods and groups at the highest risk of losing aid. “Healthcare and nutritious food should not be a privilege. They are basic needs. While the federal government cuts taxes for the ultra-rich dismantling essential services like SNAP and Medicaid, our administration is providing direct help to communities. HART will help New Yorkers face these changes, maintain the benefits they depend on, and obtain the support they need,” he said. WHAT WILL HART DO? The Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) will be composed of community health workers, community organizations, and volunteers. Its task will be to explain the changes, support applications, renewals, and re-enrollments, and connect people with food assistance, medical coverage, and cash benefits. It can also provide guidance on other economic issues, such as housing assistance, eviction prevention, and hospital bill relief. WHO DOES IT PRIORITIZE? HART will prioritize New Yorkers who have already lost SNAP due to the expansion of federal labor requirements and those who could lose Medicaid. According to the NYC Mayor's office website, up to 900,000 residents could be at risk of losing their health coverage when the new Medicaid labor requirements take effect on January 1, 2027. For Medicaid, adults under 65 years old must demonstrate 80 hours of monthly work, study, or equivalent community service, unless they qualify for an exemption. HOW TO REQUEST HELP? Those who need help with SNAP can call 718-762-7669 or visit nyc.gov/AccessHRA. The goal is for people to understand their options, document exemptions when applicable, and not lose their benefits due to lack of information or incomplete procedures. New Yorkers who have lost or are at risk of losing their health insurance can call 347-665-0214 to speak with an enrollment advisor from the New York City Department of Health or visit nyc.gov/medicaidhelp.