u003cbr/u003eLosing health care benefits, particularly children’s health care benefits, can be a frightening cliff for families. u003ca href=u0022https://www.atlantafed.org/community-development/publications/partners-update/2023/08/01/the-potential-of-one-changeu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eFlorida recently took legislative action to keep more families from falling over that health care benefits cliffu003c/au003e.u003cbr/u003e u003cbr/u003eSome benefits program income thresholds are based on the federal poverty limit, which in 2023 is $30,000 for a family of four. Previously in Florida, families were eligible to receive Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits if their income was under 200% of that limit. Under the newly passed bill, CS/CS/HB 121, as of January 1, 2024 families will continue to qualify for CHIP benefits until their income reaches 300% of the federal poverty limit, or $90,000 in 2023.u003cbr/u003e u003cbr/u003eAnother important benefits program for families is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which can cover a range of expenses for lower-income families including child care. Losing TANF suddenly can be stressful for working families.u003cbr/u003e u003cbr/u003eIn Maine, the legislature passed the 2019 measure LD 1772, known as the STEP bill. u003ca href=u0022/stories/driving-change-maine-benefits-cliff/documentary-video/u0022u003eThis legislation smooths out and extends the transition period from TANF.u003c/au003e If a family’s income goes up, that increase doesn’t count toward their TANF eligibility for three months. After that, 75% of the increased income doesn’t impact eligibility, and so on over a gradual lessening of TANF benefits. Under this new policy, families have more time to adjust off of TANF as their income grows enough to cover the expenses.