MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — As the federal government shutdown persists into a third week, Governor Patrick Morrisey weighed in what, if anything, state government can do to make it easier on the state’s residents who might be feeling the effects.
Ahead of the Regional Economic Summit at the Berkeley County Administrative building, Morrisey talked to the Panhandle News Network about the ongoing federal government shutdown and a point of contention among Democrat leadership about healthcare for vulnerable citizens.
The Medicaid rolls, boosted by subsidies to states more than a decade ago, will likely shrink due to provisions in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which proponents like President Trump say means increasing work or volunteer requirements and tightening eligibility rules. Those changes could impact 55,000 state residents over the next decade according to the West Virginia Center for Budget and Policy.
Asked how leadership in the state of West Virginia could soften the landing for those affected by the cuts to the program, the cost of which is increasingly shifted to states to cover, Governor Morrisey said, “We know that there are a lot of challenges with how Obamacare got rolled out, and I think people are sensitive to that and they want to make sure that there’s a meaningful discussion to get reforms to it.”
Medicaid coverage should not be affected by the government shut down, but as the One Big Beautiful Bill may tighten up the Medicaid enrollment numbers over a decade, Morrisey said the state could not just come in and cover the cost. “I’m eager to be part of those discussions and look out for the best interest of the state, and that’s what we’re going to do. But I think the key is we got to end the Schumer shutdown and this is a federal provision. So the state’s not going to be able to step in the shoes of the federal government just given the total number of people. The dollars are are something that the state’s not positioned to afford.”
President Trump says steps are necessary to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse. Those who are against the cuts are concerned that residents in states like West Virginia will feel the impact, as close to 30 percent of the population are on programs like Medicaid or CHIP benefits. Governor Morrisey said it will take a thoughtful approach to help those losing Medicaid. “Well, we’re obviously going to look at a lot of what the federal government is doing, and then we can tailor accordingly. We want to make sure that as many people as possible have access to healthcare.”
For the 15 percent of state residents who are currently receiving SNAP benefits, those are set to expire beginning in November if the government shutdown continues, according to an announcement this week by the West Virginia Department of Human Services:
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) has directed the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) and other state SNAP agencies to delay the issuance of October 2025 SNAP benefits approved on or after October 16, 2025.
Additionally, we have been notified that it is very likely the federal government shutdown will delay November 2025 SNAP benefits for all recipients if Congress does not take action to reopen the government in the coming days.
We understand that this news may raise concerns, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this federal issue. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Please direct any questions regarding the possible SNAP November 2025 delay to the DoHS Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212.
