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Recent passage of the federal budget law known as H.R.1 includes new “community engagement” or work requirements for certain people who receive CalFresh food assistance and Medi-Cal health coverage. These changes have raised understandable concern across California’s disability community.
In the latest Arc Beacon, The Arc of California Executive Director Jordan Lindsey explains what these new rules mean, when they are expected to take effect, and—most importantly—who is excluded.
Here are a few key points:
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- CalFresh work requirements are expected to begin June 1, 2026
- Medi-Cal work requirements are expected to begin January 1, 2027
- Many people with disabilities are exempt, including those receiving SSI, SSDI, regional center services, IHSS, Medicare/Medi-Cal, and others
- Family caregivers may also qualify for exclusions
- California is currently building systems to automatically identify and protect eligible individuals, though some people may need to request exemptions when implementation begins
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This Arc Beacon update provides clear, factual guidance to help families understand what’s changing—and what protections remain firmly in place.
Click HERE to Watch the Arc Beacon update.
The Arc of California will continue monitoring implementation closely and sharing updates as more details become available. Our commitment remains the same: protecting access to essential services and ensuring no one is harmed by administrative barriers.