Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hr1 Calfresh Medical topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County health officials warn HR 1 could strip CalFresh, Medi‑Cal access for hundreds locally
Summary
Health and Human Services officials told supervisors that phased federal HR 1 changes could mean more frequent Medi‑Cal renewals and new CalFresh ineligibility for some lawful residents; they estimate roughly 1,086 local CalFresh recipients may require reevaluation and could lose benefits at recertification.
San Benito County Health and Human Services staff briefed the Board of Supervisors March 10 on the expected local impacts of federal HR 1 changes to CalFresh and Medi‑Cal eligibility and program administration.
"HR 1 introduces sweeping changes to eligibility, program administration and federal funding structures for Medi‑Cal and CalFresh," Dr. Amanda Duffy, assistant director for HHSA, told supervisors, outlining a multi‑year phased rollout beginning in 2025 and continuing through 2028.
Using December 2025 data, HHSA said the county serves about 7,657 CalFresh recipients; of those roughly 1,768 have a citizenship status other than U.S. citizen, and an estimated 1,086 individuals may require reevaluation and risk losing benefits at the next recertification under the new rules. In addition, expanded work and reporting requirements for Able‑Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) will take effect in June, broadening the age range and eliminating several prior exemptions.
"These changes will significantly increase staff workload and administrative costs," HHSA Director Tracy Belton said, noting federal reimbursement for CalFresh administration will drop and counties will absorb a larger share of administrative costs. Staff told the board that counties statewide are jointly seeking data and advocating to the state for funding and operational guidance.
Supervisors asked about the county's error‑rate exposure, staffing needs and local strategies to help affected residents meet work or participation requirements; staff said they expect higher caseload churn, additional verification steps, and increased outreach needs and asked for board support for state‑level advocacy and local contingency planning.
Next steps: HHSA will continue coordination with state partners and county administration to refine cost estimates, training plans and community outreach to reduce coverage disruptions and will return to the board with updates.
