(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana House lawmakers have approved a Republican-backed bill that would tighten eligibility and verification requirements for Medicaid and food assistance programs, sending the measure back to the Senate for final consideration.
Senate Bill 1 passed the House on a 62-31 vote Monday, with most Democrats opposed and four Republicans joining them. If the Senate agrees to House changes, the bill would head to the governor's desk.
Supporters say the legislation is needed to control costs and ensure benefits go only to those who qualify. The measure would impose stricter income, asset, and work requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, while expanding verification of immigration status.
The proposal would also require more frequent eligibility checks, shorten Medicaid coverage periods under the Healthy Indiana Plan, and limit certain purchases under SNAP, including candy and soft drinks.
Opponents argue the changes could create additional bureaucratic hurdles that push eligible Hoosiers -- including those in northeast Indiana -- out of critical health and nutrition programs. Some lawmakers warned the rules could penalize low-income residents who are trying to build modest savings or who have inconsistent work hours.
Supporters counter that Medicaid spending now accounts for more than one-fifth of Indiana's budget and say tighter oversight is necessary to keep the programs sustainable.
The Senate must give final approval before the bill can become law.