New York City is launching a new initiative to help residents navigate major changes to federal food assistance and health insurance programs, with city officials warning that eligible families could lose critical benefits if they fail to meet new requirements or complete the necessary paperwork.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Monday the creation of the Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART), a $3 million program funded through the city budget. Outreach workers will be sent into neighborhoods to help residents understand the new rules, maintain their coverage and access assistance with other rising expenses.

The effort comes as federal changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, place additional requirements on some recipients. City officials estimate that as many as 900,000 New Yorkers could be at risk of losing Medicaid coverage when new work requirements take effect in January. Meanwhile, expanded SNAP work requirements introduced in March have already been linked by city officials to the loss of benefits for approximately 26,500 residents.

Medicaid currently covers about 3.6 million people in New York City. Under the new federal rules, certain adults under age 65 will need to document at least 80 hours per month of employment, qualifying community service or education to maintain eligibility. Exemptions apply to some groups, including parents caring for children under 14. State officials are also seeking an exemption for Bronx residents, citing the borough’s high unemployment rate.

Another concern is the requirement for more frequent Medicaid eligibility reviews. Healthcare providers warn that additional forms and administrative hurdles could result in people losing coverage even when they remain eligible.

HART teams are intended to help prevent that outcome. Workers speak 13 languages and have received specialized training on the federal changes. Many also bring personal experience navigating the public benefits system. Their responsibilities will include helping residents preserve or restore health insurance and food assistance, while connecting them with resources for housing costs, medical debt and other household expenses.

The city plans to prioritize communities where residents face the greatest risk of losing assistance and work with local organizations to distribute information and provide support.

Mamdani said the initiative is intended to help New Yorkers retain access to essential services as the rules change, arguing that healthcare and nutritious food should be treated as basic necessities rather than privileges.

27,000 New Yorkers lost their SNAP benefits due to cruel cuts from the federal government. If you’re one of them, New York City is here to help.

As of October 1st, you can re-enroll for SNAP benefits. But there are new rules. 
Call 718-SNAP-NOW or visit https://t.co/wpmvamG9dO for help re-enrolling and to understand what’s changed.

While Washington turns its back on working Americans, New York is here for you. Because everyone deserves to put food on their table.

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 16, 2026

Navigating changes to Medicaid and SNAP shouldn’t mean navigating a maze to get help.

Today, we’re launching HART, a new outreach team helping New Yorkers keep their health coverage, food benefits and get support on everything from housing assistance to eviction prevention.

As federal work requirements put thousands at risk of losing benefits and up to 900,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing health coverage, we’re making sure no one gets left behind.

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) October 19, 2026