News
Census data reveals programs helped families afford basics
New Census Bureau data released Tuesday underscore the role food assistance and health coverage played in helping families afford basic needs in 2025.
Last updated:
VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — In case you missed it, new Census Bureau data released Tuesday underscore the role food assistance and health coverage played in helping families afford basic needs in 2025, before most of the SNAP and Medicaid cuts enacted in last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” took effect.
According to an analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP lifted more than 3 million Americans above the poverty line in 2025, while refundable tax credits lifted 6 million. Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage provided health insurance to tens of millions of Americans.
Since July 2025, SNAP participation fell by roughly 5 million people, or 12 percent, according to CBPP. The organization also found that about 3 million fewer people were enrolled in ACA marketplace coverage in February 2026 than a year earlier.
“The latest Census data show that SNAP and health coverage helped millions of Americans put food on the table and get the care they needed,” said Chris Fleming, spokesperson for Americans for Healthy Families. “That was before most of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ cuts took effect. Now, millions of families could be left paying more for groceries and health care with less help to make ends meet.”
Read the full CBPP statement and Census Bureau release.
