DIThe Distraction Index

#welfare

9 events across 6 weeks

3Damage

3Hype

3Noise

17.8Avg Dmg

21.5Avg Hype

WEEK 92Sep 27 – Oct 3

NOISE2026-09-26

Medicaid Work Requirements Implementation

Policy Changemulti state · broad

WEEK 84Aug 2 – 8

States Sue Trump Administration to Protect Welfare Data from DHS

Resource Reallocationmulti state · broad

WEEK 82Jul 19 – 25

SNAP Benefits Reduction Results in 4 Million People Losing Coverage

Resource Reallocationfederal · broad

NOISE2026-07-20

Trump Administration Implements SNAP Benefit Changes and Public Charge Policy

Policy Changefederal · broad

WEEK 29Jul 13 – 19

HHS Targets Duplicate Medicaid Benefits

Resource Reallocationfederal · broad

WEEK 21May 18 – 24

Work Requirements Included in Budget Bill for Medicaid and Food Assistance

Policy Changefederal · broad

NOISE2025-05-23

USDA Demands Food Stamp Data from States; Lawsuit Challenges Practice

Policy Changefederal · broad

House Passes Major Budget/Legislative Bill Under Speaker Johnson

Policy Changefederal · broad

WEEK 19May 4 – 10

USDA and DOGE Demand State Food Stamp Recipient Data

Resource Reallocationfederal · moderate