In 2026, significant changes are on the horizon for thousands of Tennessee residents relying on government benefits, impacting everything from grocery purchases to healthcare costs. As these changes unfold, many are bracing for a financial shift that could alter their daily lives.

Central to this transformation is the expiration of expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, initially introduced during the pandemic. This shift means that millions of Americans will likely face higher healthcare costs or, worse, the potential of going without insurance altogether.

Matthew McGough, a policy analyst with the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), highlights the looming financial impact. “Once these subsidies expire at the end of the year, individuals can generally expect their monthly healthcare premiums to rise by an average of 114%, effectively more than doubling,” McGough explained.

To illustrate the potential impact, KFF, a respected nonpartisan health policy research organization, has developed a map detailing how ACA enrollees might be affected across the country. Their findings indicate that a 60-year-old couple in Tennessee’s District 5, earning $82,000 annually, could see their premiums skyrocket by over 300%.

The uncertainty surrounding these changes is a cause for concern among healthcare advocates. Celina Huerta, a family service specialist at the Tennessee Healthcare Campaign, expressed her worries: “The unpredictability of these developments is really troubling, especially for individuals who depend on ongoing treatment, medications, and regular doctor visits.”

The U.S. House is expected to vote on a new proposal to extend ACA subsidies this month, but not until after the existing subsidies expire.

Starting at the end of July, Tennesseans who receive government help paying for groceries will see new restrictions on processed foods and beverages.

It’s a policy shift banning the purchase of items deemed “unhealthy,” like candy, soda and energy drinks, using SNAP benefits.

“Together we are crafting sensical dietary guidelines for Americans that prioritize whole, healthy and nutritious foods,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said.

USDA officials said their goal is to reduce the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on highly processed foods and prioritize nutrition, although the change received mixed feedback from hunger advocates in Tennessee.

“It doesn’t really address the health issue and doesn’t provide more money, more incentives or eating fruits or vegetables,” said Signe Anderson, senior director at the Tennessee Justice Center.

“I support the piece that provides more access,” Anderson said. “The most positive part of this waiver is increasing hot foods, which is really important for families who don’t have kitchens or many of our houseless communities. I think that’s a really good direction.”