COLAs Don’t Count Act of 2026

# COLAs Don't Count Act of 2026 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would change how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are counted when determining eligibility for certain federal benefit programs. COLAs are annual increases to Social Security and other benefits designed to help recipients keep up with inflation. Currently, when these increases are applied to a person's income, they can sometimes push them over the income limits for programs like Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), or housing subsidies, causing them to lose eligibility. This bill would exclude COLA increases from being counted as income for purposes of determining whether someone qualifies for these needs-based assistance programs. **Who It Affects and Key Impact:** The bill would primarily benefit low-income seniors and disabled individuals who receive Social Security or similar benefits.

Without this change, a COLA increase meant to help people afford rising costs could paradoxically disqualify them from other assistance they depend on. The bill seeks to prevent people from losing critical help simply because their benefits were increased to match inflation. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 6986 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) in the 119th Congress.