Millions of Workers, Including Many Employed by Large Employers, Continue to Rely on Medicaid and SNAP

A new U.S. Government Accountability Office report highlights the important role of SNAP and Medicaid for working Americans. In 2024, an estimated 10.6 million adults living in SNAP households had worked, and about two-thirds of those adults worked full-time.

The report also underscores that reliance on the social safety net is not limited to workers at small or struggling employers. In an analysis of 11 states, GAO identified 46 companies that ranked among the top 25 employers of Medicaid enrollees or SNAP beneficiaries in at least two states. Of those, 17 were among the 50 largest Fortune 500 companies by number of employees.

The findings illustrate a critical reality for efforts to address food insecurity and economic stability: having a job, even a full-time job, does not always provide enough income or benefits to meet basic needs. SNAP and Medicaid can serve as essential bridges for working people and families navigating the gap between employment and economic security.