By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
In recent years, the cost of the state's welfare programs has skyrocketed at unsustainable levels, increasing by $5 billion for Medicaid alone.
During the 2026 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation aimed at lowering the costs of our welfare programs by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the system.
Senate Enrolled Act 1 continues the state's past efforts to improve the integrity of Indiana's welfare programs so they remain in place for Hoosiers who need the help the most. After all, every dollar given to someone fraudulently is a dollar taken away from someone who actually really needs it.
Through this new law, Indiana will no longer provide welfare to illegal immigrants, and the state will need to verify the immigration status of anyone applying for Medicaid and SNAP.
The law also codifies an executive order that ended the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of unhealthy candy and soft drinks, with the hope that assistance will be used to purchase healthier options. A healthier population ultimately means less state spending on these kinds of programs.
A practice known as broad-based categorical eligibility, which allows anyone to automatically receive SNAP benefits if they receive certain non-cash welfare benefits first, will also be ended. This loophole meant someone who received a benefit as simple as a brochure created with welfare funding would automatically be eligible for SNAP.
Instead of the state assuming these individuals are eligible for SNAP, applicants will now have to go through the normal application process to ensure they are actually eligible for the program.
Senate Enrolled Act 1 was signed into law by the governor earlier this month.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
