LAO: Counties Need 2,400+ New Eligibility Workers for H.R. 1 — Zero Funded, Creating Second Disenrollment Pathway

The CA Legislative Analyst's Office details the massive staffing gap counties face implementing H.R. 1. Counties estimate needing 2,000+ additional Medi-Cal eligibility workers and 400+ CalFresh workers statewide. The Governor's budget proposes $2.4B for Medi-Cal county administration but includes zero funding for new positions. Starting October 2026, H.R. 1 also cuts federal CalFresh administrative cost share from 50% to 25%. The CWDA warns of 'longer application processing times' and heightened churn where eligible people temporarily lose benefits due to processing backlogs. For FQHCs: patients will lose coverage through administrative delays — not just work requirements — a second disenrollment vector driving uncompensated care.