assistance

The federal government pays out $100 billion a year in food assistance to 42 million Americans through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Without the subsidies, Covered California said its members who receive financial assistance will see their monthly premiums jump by an additional $125 a month, on average, for 2026.

But as airports around the world become ever larger and more complex, interest is growing in more-personalized assistance programs that promise a less-painful airport experience for travelers who are willing to pay.

“Take the assistance if you need it, but be aware of what the risks are before you do,” said Alys Cohen, director of federal housing advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center.

In some cases, gamblers were asked to answer survey questions before receiving assistance, according to state advocates in New Jersey, Florida, and New Mexico.