OUR MINISTRIES
Public Policy
January, 2026
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NYS Legislation:
Update on the Physician’s Assisted Suicide Bill: Gov. Hochul has indicated that she will sign this legislation by the end of January after the state Legislature adds a “few more agreed-to-safeguards.”
Federal Legislation:
Update on ACA subsidies: Although the subsidies expired on December 31, 2025, in January, the House passed a bill to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies for 3 years. The Senate is expected to offer its own bill which might extend the credits but include new eligibility requirements.
From AARP NY
In the NYS Budget, AARP will push to protect funding for home-and-community based services that help people age in place and also to keep utilities affordable. aarp.org/NYadvocacy
Social Security Changes in 2026:
Earnings Test: For Beneficiaries who have not reached full retirement age (FRA), now between 66 and 67, $1 will be withheld from their SS payment for every $2 in work income above $24,480 (up from $23,400 in 2025)
Social Security Credits: For every quarter in which you earn at least $1,890 in taxable work income, ($1,810 in 2025), you will get one SS credit.
As of January 1, 2026, 10 Medicare Part D-covered drugs selected for price negotiations became available at reduced cost. Some of these drugs are Januvia, Farxiga, Jardiance, Xarelto, and Eliquis.
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Federal Legislation to watch:
Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act: Workers such as home health aides, nannies, housekeepers, and live-in caretakers would receive overtime pay, sick leave, breaks, and other key workplace protections. This legislation would close loopholes in federal labor and civil rights laws.
The One Fair Price Act: This legislation would ban companies from charging different prices to different customers for the same product at the same time. The companies would be prohibited from using customers’ personal data to set individualized prices with the assistance of AI (artificial intelligence).
The Strategic Plan for Aging Act would create a new, nationwide grant program to incentivize and support states’ efforts to create Master Plans for Aging. This legislation would help make sure that state and local governments are prepared to address the needs of our aging loved ones. The goal is to guide policy choices and investments at the state level to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can live with dignity in the settings of their choice.
(Reintroduced) Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 - SNAP was cut by $187 billion and this legislation would fully restore those funds and:
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Eliminate the new requirement that states must cover a share of SNAP program benefits while also paying a larger share of SNAP administrative costs.
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Repeal the expansion of punitive time limits for SNAP recipients (20-hours per week work requirement).
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Restore SNAP access for lawful residents who are here for humanitarian reasons.
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Allow periodic updates to the Thrifty Food Plan that determines the maximum SNAP benefit amount, ensuring families can afford healthy food on a tight budget.
From Catholic Charities USA:
Housing for the 21st Century Act - Advanced by the House Financial Services Committee in December. The bill includes the proposal to lift the Public Welfare Investment Cap from 15 to 20 percent. It also exempts HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from requirements in the Build America, Buy America Act.
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From USCCB:
Changes in Reconciliation Bill affecting Noncitizens:
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility is limited to lawful permanent residents (LPRs); Cuban/Haitian entrants; and individuals lawfully residing in the US. No Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible populations besides Cuban/Haitian entrants can receive SNAP benefits. LPRs remain subject to a five-year bar before becoming eligible with certain exemptions.
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Medicare eligibility will be limited to LPRs; Cuban/Haitian entrants; and individuals lawfully residing in the US. For noncitizens who were eligible and enrolled in Medicare coverage at the time this bill was enacted but do not fall into one of the above categories, coverage will end after January 4, 2027. LPR’s remain subject to a five-year bar before becoming eligible.
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) - As of October 1, 2026, eligibility will be limited to LPRs; Cuban/Haitian entrants; and individuals lawfully residing in the US. With limited exceptions, this provision ends Medicaid/ CHIP eligibility for ORR-eligible populations besides Cuban/Haitian entrants. LPRs remain subject to a five-year bar before becoming eligible. Some states could continue coverage for certain noncitizen children and pregnant women.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits - Beginning January 1, 2027, subsidized medical coverage through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace will be limited to US citizens and LPRs; Cuban/Haitian entrants; and individuals lawfully residing in the US. Other lawfully present noncitizens will still be able to purchase health insurance plans at full cost through the Marketplace. Beginning January 1, 2026, lawfully present noncitizens earning less than 100% of the federal poverty level, who do not qualify for Medicaid, will be unable to receive subsidized medical coverage under the ACA.
There are new and increased fees for several immigration benefits, including asylum requests, humanitarian parole applications, special immigrant juvenile status applications, as well as initial and renewal employment authorization applications based on a pending asylum claim, parole, or temporary protected status. (Title X: Judiciary” of the UCCB’s section-by-section summary of migration-related provisions included in the reconciliation bill).
Congress continues to work on the federal budget, deadline is January 30, 2026.
Thank you for your advocacy.
Marie Copeland, Chair
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