How to Check if Your Medi-Cal or CalFresh Benefits Will Be Cut in San Diego County

In response to recently enacted federal legislation, San Diego County faces significant challenges, particularly concerning food and health care access for its residents. The new law, officially known as H.R. 1, will lead to the loss of benefits for many, exacerbating the struggle for families already living on tight budgets, particularly in areas like food security.

### Impact on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The new regulations imposed under H.R. 1 will immediately impact approximately 13,000 immigrants in San Diego County who will lose access to CalFresh, California’s SNAP program. For families, this sudden reduction in food assistance will strain grocery budgets, potentially pushing many into food insecurity. For a typical San Diego family relying on SNAP benefits, losing financial support could mean a drastic cutback in meal quality and quantity.

### Work Requirements Changes

Effective October 1, 2023, work requirements under CalFresh will become stricter, necessitating that many program beneficiaries prove they are working at least 20 hours per week. This change affects around 70,000 residents who depend on these benefits for food security. While previous exemptions existed for those older than 54 or with dependents under 18, these criteria have now shifted to exempt only those aged 65 and older, or those with dependents under 14. As a result, many families may find themselves with reduced or eliminated benefits, which will further impact their grocery budgets.

### Medi-Cal Changes

Starting in October 2026, the Medi-Cal program, which covers health care for low-income Californians, will also tighten eligibility for roughly 75,000 immigrants. These changes may lead to increased out-of-pocket health care costs, forcing families to choose between medical care and other essential needs, such as groceries. This dual pressure—both health and food insecurity—could lead to more difficult trade-offs for San Diego families.

### Economic Burden on San Diego County

San Diego County will need to spend an additional estimated $30 million to manage these anticipated changes, which includes hiring 361 new full-time staff positions to assist with increased verification requirements. As the county diverts more resources to compliance, local services may suffer, further straining families’ ability to access necessary support.

### Local Perspectives

County supervisors have expressed mixed feelings on the federal cuts. Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that “we are going to need to really figure out what we are going to do, or we are going to have hundreds of thousands of San Diegans without health care, hundreds of thousands of San Diegans without food.” Meanwhile, Supervisor Jim Desmond’s dissent highlighted a belief that cuts are necessary, albeit with caution that they shouldn’t be “draconian.”

### Grocery Budget Implications

With the loss of SNAP benefits and the tightening of eligibility criteria for Medi-Cal, families in San Diego may find that their grocery budgets will feel an immediate and tough pinch. For instance, a family that previously relied on CalFresh to purchase approximately $300 in groceries each month could suddenly find themselves needing to provide that amount out-of-pocket, drastically affecting their overall budget. Families may have to resort to cheaper options or rely on food banks, straining local resources and increasing competition for limited supplies. The fallout from these federal changes threatens not only the immediate access to food but the long-term stability of families struggling to make ends meet in an already high-cost living area like San Diego.

### Call to Action

As these changes unfold, it’s crucial for families to start preparing for their possible impacts. They may find themselves exploring additional local resources, community food banks, or alternative government programs that can bridge the gap. Local organizations and advocacy groups may also provide assistance in navigating new eligibility requirements. Staying informed about upcoming discussions in the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in September could yield more insights into how the community plans to address these serious issues, providing families with essential information for future planning.

In summary, the recent federal cuts to food and health care programs will carry significant ramifications for families in San Diego, and proactive measures will be necessary to mitigate these impacts. Families are urged to engage with available support systems and keep abreast of changes as they develop.