AB 2161 Medi-Cal Work/Community Engagement Requirements — 'Do Pass' Committee Recommendation
AB 2161 — directing DHCS to implement work/community engagement requirements for Medi-Cal applicants and beneficiaries under the 2025 federal law 'in ways that are least administratively burdensome' — received a 'Do pass' recommendation from committee April 7, 2026. The bill establishes California's framework for compliance with the federal mandate.
Direct operational impact: FQHCs will need redetermination workflows, work-status documentation support, and CHW navigation services. Coverage churn risk for thousands of patients statewide.
CPCA likely to engage on implementation guardrails. Health Net (Centene) launched parallel $1M 'Get Informed, Stay Covered' campaign April 1 to educate enrollees.
Linked evidence
California Legislature / LegiScanSource packet
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FQHC Talent. (2026, April 7). AB 2161 Medi-Cal Work/Community Engagement Requirements — 'Do Pass' Committee Recommendation. Linked evidence: California Legislature / LegiScan. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/ab-2161-medi-cal-work-requirements-do-pass-april-2026
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