The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a comprehensive plan Tuesday to safeguard access to Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits for 1.7 million residents who could lose coverage under new federal work requirements.
The motion, introduced by Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis and co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, responds to sweeping changes enacted in H.R. 1, a federal budget reconciliation package signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4.
As many as 1.5 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries could lose coverage when work requirements take effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to county estimates. For CalFresh, approximately 202,000 individuals, more than double the current number, will face work requirements beginning Feb. 1, 2026.
"We are staring down a looming crisis that could tear apart the safety net for hundreds of thousands of Los Angeles County residents," Solis said. "With the passage of H.R. 1, our most vulnerable neighbors, including working families, veterans, former foster youth, people experiencing homelessness, and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, are now at risk of losing access to the basic support systems they rely on."
The federal law expands the age range of "able-bodied adults" subject to work requirements and includes new categories such as veterans, former foster youth, and people experiencing homelessness while placing additional administrative burdens on recipients and local agencies.
"HR 1 puts millions of Angelenos at risk of losing critical food and health benefits," Horvath said. "We have a responsibility to reduce that harm, by expanding access to support, minimizing barriers, and making sure people understand what's changing."
The approved motion directs the County's Department of Public Social Services to collaborate with multiple departments and community partners on immediate preparations to help residents meet new requirements without losing vital healthcare and nutrition assistance.
Key elements include expanding workfare and volunteer opportunities across county departments and community organizations, developing a coordinated verification system to track work participation and exemptions, and advocating with the state for flexible verification processes that comply with federal regulations.
The plan builds on the existing "Keep Your Coverage" campaign and instructs departments to create a comprehensive database incorporating technology solutions, data integration and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
Community health advocates voiced strong support for the county's proactive approach.
"Those receiving CalFresh should not be left at the mercy of overrunning food banks," said Daria Brooks in public comments. "CalFresh constitutes our taxes coming back to our community to best help the vulnerable. Our public servants need to do all that they can to preserve the program."
Joanne Preece, representing the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, said the organization "strongly supports" the motion.
"These programs are essential lifelines that help the County's most medically underserved residents access both food assistance and life-saving healthcare," Preece said. The association represents 67 nonprofit community health centers serving patients across Los Angeles County.
"We appreciate the County's proactive efforts to ensure beneficiaries are connected to volunteer opportunities that help them maintain the benefits they are entitled to," she added.
The motion requires the Department of Public Social Services to report back within 90 days on progress expanding workfare opportunities and developing verification systems. The county will also engage with state officials to advocate for technology supporting document submission and program administration.
Special consideration will be given to individuals with disabilities, those who are medically frail, people with substance use disorders or disabling mental disorders, and individuals experiencing homelessness or language access barriers.
The comprehensive response reflects the county's commitment to protecting vulnerable residents from what supervisors characterize as potentially devastating federal policy changes affecting the social safety net.
The Department of Public Social Services will coordinate with Health Services, Public Health, Mental Health, Homeless Services and Housing, Children and Family Services, Economic Opportunity, and Aging and Disabilities departments in implementing the plan.