H.R. 1 Benefits Impact Toolkit
Plain-language guides, step-by-step checklists, conversation scripts, and phone numbers to help Illinois and Missouri families protect their SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC benefits.
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SNAP (Food Stamps): What Changed & What To Do
Illinois & Missouri — plain language, 8th-grade reading level
What is SNAP?
SNAP gives families money on a card — like a debit card — to buy food at the grocery store. Many pregnant women, new moms, and families with young children use SNAP to keep food on the table. In Missouri it is sometimes called the "Food Stamp Program."
Illinois has a waiver that protects many adults from the strictest work rules — but that waiver may not be renewed.
If you live in a high-unemployment area, you may still be protected. Call to confirm.
Pregnant women and families with children under 7 are usually exempt from work requirements.
Apply or check your case: abe.illinois.gov
Hotline: 1-800-843-6154
What is changing under H.R. 1
- New work requirements — some adults 18–64 must show they work, go to school, or do job training for at least 80 hours a month.
- States must check your eligibility more often — you may be asked to re-apply sooner.
- Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) face stricter rules.
- Funding cuts may reduce benefit amounts over time.
What you should do right now
- 1Do not wait — if you think you might lose benefits, call your caseworker NOW.
- 2Keep all letters from SNAP. If you get a letter saying your benefits are ending, you have the right to appeal.
- 3If you are pregnant or have a baby, tell your caseworker — this protects you from work requirements.
- 4Ask about job training programs — completing one counts toward the work requirement.
- 5Contact The Doula Lab — we can help you understand your letter and connect you with a navigator.
Medicaid: Know Your Coverage
Illinois & Missouri — what H.R. 1 means for your health insurance
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for people who qualify based on income. In Illinois it is called "Illinois Medicaid." In Missouri it is called "MO HealthNet."
Illinois expanded Medicaid — more people qualify here than in many other states.
Pregnant women qualify at higher income levels. Apply right away even if you were denied before.
Postpartum Medicaid covers you for 12 months after delivery — make sure your caseworker knows you gave birth.
If your Medicaid is ending, you have 90 days to appeal.
Apply: abe.illinois.gov | Phone: 1-877-805-5312
What is changing under H.R. 1
- Work requirements are being added for some adults — you may need to show you are working, volunteering, or in school.
- Eligibility checks will happen more often — you may get a letter asking you to prove you still qualify.
- Postpartum coverage (12 months after birth) is still in place — but budget pressure could affect it in the future.
- Funding cuts mean states may have to reduce who qualifies or what is covered.
- Immigrants and non-citizens face stricter rules about who can enroll.
What you should do right now
- 1If you are pregnant, apply for Medicaid TODAY — coverage starts from the date you apply.
- 2After your baby is born, call your Medicaid office and tell them. Your 12-month postpartum clock starts at delivery.
- 3Keep every letter you receive. If your coverage is ending, you can appeal.
- 4If asked to prove work hours, gather pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or proof of school enrollment.
- 5Call The Doula Lab — our team can sit with you and help you fill out forms or understand your options.
WIC: Enroll Now Before Cuts Hit
Illinois & Missouri — food, formula, and support for moms and babies
What is WIC?
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) gives pregnant women, new moms, and babies under 5 free healthy food, formula, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care. WIC is NOT the same as SNAP — it is a separate program. You can receive both at the same time.
Important Note — July 2026
As of today, WIC is still operating normally in both states. These are proposed cuts — but you should enroll NOW before any changes take effect. The sooner you enroll, the more benefits you lock in.
Illinois WIC is fully funded and enrolling new participants.
You can apply during pregnancy — the sooner you enroll, the more benefits you receive.
WIC covers milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and baby formula.
Illinois WIC also provides free breastfeeding support — including breast pumps.
Phone: 1-800-323-4769 | Find a clinic: dph.illinois.gov
What is changing under H.R. 1
- H.R. 1 proposes cutting WIC funding significantly — some states may have to create waiting lists.
- The types of food covered by WIC could be reduced.
- Breastfeeding support services funded through WIC may be cut back.
- These are proposed changes — WIC is still running today, but act now.
What you should do right now
- 1Enroll in WIC NOW — even if you are not sure you qualify. It is free to apply.
- 2If you are pregnant, you can start WIC benefits right away.
- 3Tell your WIC counselor if you plan to breastfeed — you get extra benefits.
- 4If you already receive WIC, keep your appointments so your benefits do not lapse.
- 5The Doula Lab can connect you with a WIC office and go with you to your first appointment if needed.
Benefits Appeal Checklist
Got a letter saying your SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC is being cut? Here is exactly what to do.
Read the letter carefully
Look for the date your benefits end and the reason they are being cut. Write these down.
Do not wait — you have a deadline
Most programs give you 10–30 days to request an appeal (also called a "fair hearing"). The deadline is on the letter.
Call the number on the letter
Tell them you want to appeal or request a "fair hearing." Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date.
Gather your documents
Collect pay stubs, proof of pregnancy or recent birth, school enrollment letters, doctor notes, or anything that shows your situation.
Ask for help
You do not have to do this alone. Contact The Doula Lab, a legal aid office, or a benefits navigator in your area.
Keep your benefits during the appeal
If you appeal before your benefits end, you may be able to keep receiving them while your case is reviewed. Ask about this when you call.
Attend your hearing
Show up (in person or by phone) and bring your documents. Explain your situation clearly and simply.
Follow up
After the hearing, you will get a written decision. If you disagree, you may be able to appeal again. Ask The Doula Lab for help.
Illinois Legal Aid
Free legal help for benefits appeals: 1-800-252-8966 or illinoislegalaid.org
Missouri Legal Aid
Free legal help for benefits appeals: 1-888-245-6460 or lsmo.org
Doula & PHW Conversation Script
Ready-to-use language for talking with clients about H.R. 1 changes — calm, clear, and supportive
How to use this script: These are suggested words — not a script you have to read word for word. Use them as a starting point and make them your own. The goal is to help your client feel informed, not overwhelmed. Tap each section to expand it.
IL & MO Phone Numbers — Print & Share
Every number your clients need in one place. Print this page or share the link.
SNAP
1-800-843-6154Medicaid
1-877-805-5312DHS Benefits Help
1-800-843-6154Legal Aid
1-800-252-8966SNAP / Food Stamps
1-855-373-4636MO HealthNet (Medicaid)
1-800-392-2161Family Support Division
1-855-373-4636Legal Aid
1-888-245-6460The Doula Lab Is Here to Help
Our team can help you understand your benefits, respond to letters, fill out forms, and make sure you and your baby are covered. No question is too small. Reach out any time.