NJ Faces Massive Medicaid And SNAP Cuts Under The Big Beautiful Bill

Gov. Murphy signed an executive order last week, requiring that state agencies examine the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

New Jersey is expected to lose $3.6 billion in federal Medicaid funding. Around 350,000 seniors, disabled, or low-income residents could lose health insurance, according to the Department of Human Services. 

About 800,000 residents who rely on SNAP benefits are now at risk unless the state appropriates an additional $100 to $300 million to keep the program afloat. County governments will also need an additional $78 million in funds due to reduced federal funding.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a fiscal disaster that fails to deliver for working-class families in New Jersey and across the country,” said Murphy. “This law rips away health care from vulnerable children and families, guts food assistance, and raises costs for everyday Americans. By signing this Executive Order, we are mobilizing to mitigate harm to New Jerseyans and planning to navigate new red tape from Washington, D.C.” 

Leading up to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s passage, Republican leaders said they did not want to make cuts to vital programs like Medicaid. However, they say the current cuts reduce fraud and wasteful spending–though the Congressional Budget Office’s own analysis shows that over 10 million people could lose Medicaid coverage.

“I voted to safeguard Medicaid for every intended beneficiary in the Garden State and nationwide. By rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, we are preserving this vital program for today’s recipients and future generations,” said Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-7th).

State agencies have to provide an initial valuation on the federal budget bill’s impacts to the governor’s office by October 1. By November 15, they must provide a list of non-legislative actions they recommend.

Some of the federal funding cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are expected to hit after the 2026 midterm elections. Here’s how New Jersey’s congressional delegation voted on the bill:

Sen. Cory Booker (D)

No

Sen. Andy Kim (D)

No

Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1st)

No

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd)

Yes

Rep. Herb Conaway (D-3rd)

No

Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th)

Yes

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5th)

No

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th)

No

Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-7th)

Yes

Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8th)

No

Rep. Nellie Pou (D-9th)
No

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10th)

No

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th)

No

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th)

No

Not sure how to find your congressperson? Find out on the House of Representatives website.