Senate Bill 61 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur Orr Senator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Public assistance; regular cross-checks required for Medicaid and food assistance eligibly, categorical eligibly for food assistance prohibited, eligibility for food assistance further provided for

Description

Under existing law, the Alabama Medicaid Agency (the agency) conducts eligibility determinations for Medicaid.

Also under existing law, certain households are categorically eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of their eligibility for other public assistance, benefits, or services, including certain noncash or in-kind benefits.

This bill would prohibit the Alabama Medicaid Agency from accepting certain self attestations or eligibility determinations for Medicaid.

This bill would require the agency to enter into data matching agreements with certain state agencies to cross-check Medicaid eligibility with other data relating to income, employment, assets, and other relevant information.

This bill would require the State Department of Human Resources (the department) to enter into data matching agreements with certain state agencies to cross-check food assistance eligibility with other data relating to income, employment, assets, and other relevant information.

This bill would require the agency and the SB61 INTRODUCED department to regularly review certain related federal data to assess continued eligibility for public assistance and, if necessary, act on any changes.

This bill would require the agency and the department to regularly publish data relating to investigations of fraud and noncompliance.

This bill would prohibit the department from granting categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits, except as where required by federal law.

This bill would prohibit the department from applying gross income standards or allowable financial resources standards for eligibility for food assistance at an amount higher than as specified in federal law.

This bill would require the department to assign certification periods for SNAP benefits, with the length of the period dependent on certain household characteristics.

This bill would also require the agency and the department to adopt rules.

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Subjects

Health