AB 2161: Bill to Block Work Requirements for State-Funded Undocumented Medi-Cal Coverage

Oakland Democrat Mia Bonta introduced AB 2161, which would prohibit California from imposing federal work requirements on individuals whose Medi-Cal coverage is entirely state-funded — including undocumented immigrants. This is separate from SB 1422 (Durazo's bill to restore full Medi-Cal eligibility). Both face uncertain prospects given the state's budget deficit. If passed, AB 2161 would protect ~1.5M undocumented Californians whose coverage comes from state general funds, not federal Medicaid matching.