San Bernardino County Urges Medi-Cal Members to Prepare for New Work Requirements Taking Effect in 2027
San Bernardino County, California, is encouraging Medi-Cal members to prepare for new federal requirements related to work, community engagement and coverage renewal that will take effect in 2027. Under new federal law H.R. 1, some adults ages 19 through 64 who receive Medi-Cal through the Affordable Care Act expansion — known as the New Adult Group — will need to meet Work and Community Engagement Requirements (WCER), and will also have their eligibility reviewed more often. The county stressed that not all Medi-Cal members will be affected, and that the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is sending information to members who may be impacted.
Beginning January 1, 2027, certain new applicants will be evaluated for WCER when they apply. For current members, changes will begin in March 2027, and members will receive notices explaining the requirements that apply to them and whether additional information is needed.
Impacted members will be required to work at least 80 hours per month, or an equivalent alternative. Accepted options include working — paid, self-employed or in-kind — for at least 80 hours a month; volunteering or community service for at least 80 hours a month; participating in a qualifying work or job-training program for at least 80 hours a month; attending school at least half-time; having a monthly income of at least $580 (80 hours at the federal minimum wage); or combining activities to reach 80 hours. Additional options may apply to seasonal workers or people whose income or hours fluctuate.
Some members can be excused from the work requirements, including people who are pregnant or receiving postpartum care, parents or caretakers of children age 13 or younger, people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from meeting the requirements, people with Medicare coverage, American Indian or Alaska Native members, and certain former foster youth younger than 26. The county will work with members to determine whether they must meet the requirements or qualify to be excused, and will provide instructions if more information must be submitted.
Affected members will also have their Medi-Cal eligibility reviewed every six months instead of once a year — for example, a current New Adult Group member who completes a scheduled renewal in March 2027 will have another review in September 2027. Members in other coverage groups keep their existing renewal schedules, and being excused from the work requirement does not automatically excuse a member from six-month renewals. DHCS began a text message campaign in February 2026 and began mailing outreach letters to current New Adult Group members in August 2026, with letters available in multiple languages.
To avoid interruptions in coverage, the county encourages members to keep their mailing address, phone number and email current, check mail and online accounts regularly for notices, and return renewal forms by the stated deadlines. Members can manage benefits through BenefitsCal. The county said it will continue working with community partners, DHCS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as additional guidance becomes available.
(Source: County of San Bernardino)
Source: County of San Bernardino
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 圣贝纳迪诺县政府中心大楼外景。 The San Bernardino County Government Center. CC BY-SA 4.0，摄影：Xnatedawgx。图片来源 Source image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San_Bernardino_County_Government_Center,_San_Bernardino,_CA,_west_side.jpg
