BOISE, Idaho — Refugees and asylum seekers in Idaho will no longer qualify for food assistance and healthcare services due to the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ signed into law by President Trump this summer.
The Idaho Capital Sun reports that the legislation removes these individuals from programs such as Medicaid and food assistance.
Holly Beech, communications manager for the Idaho Office for Refugees, says that around 550 people have been resettled in the state since last fall. Many of these individuals have been relying on SNAP benefits for food but have not yet obtained a green card, resulting in their removal from the program.
Despite these changes, refugees will continue to have access to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program through next October.