Smiling black woman handing over freshly harvested lemons to vendor for weighing at checkout counter. Portrait of african american consumer with paper bag giving locally grown fresh produce to cashier Credit: Freepik

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

Federal and state policy changes will roll out over the next few months that may impact some people in San Diego County who receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal benefits. The first of these changes starts April 1.  

Most people will still qualify for benefits or coverage. However, the County is urging people who currently receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal benefits to make sure their contact information is up to date through their BenefitsCal portal. Keeping this information current ensures they receive text messages, calls or mail from the County about steps needed to confirm their eligibility. 

Starting this week, CalFresh customers will receive a text message from the County with information about upcoming changes and resources. The County is here to help and will be sharing information on all upcoming changes digitally, in person and through the mail.  

For details on all CalFresh and Medi-Cal changes, please visit the County’s website.  

Key Dates & Changes 

  • April 1, 2026:  Certain lawfully present noncitizens will no longer be eligible for CalFresh, including asylees, refugees, and other groups. For a full list, please visit the County’s CalFresh Eligibility Changes website.  
  • June 1, 2026: Some adult CalFresh recipients will be required to work 80 hours a month or participate in activities like training or volunteering to get or keep CalFresh benefits. The County will screen for exemptions that will apply to certain people, including parents or caregivers of children under 14 years of age, and other groups. 
  • Jan. 1, 2027: Some Medi-Cal recipients will also need to meet new work or community engagement rules to get to keep Medi-Cal.  

For current customers, these changes will apply at their next renewal. Food, medical and employment resources can be found on https://211sandiego.org/food-and-health-access.

The County’s mission is to strengthen our communities – which include nearly 400,000 residents who receive CalFresh benefits and more than 800,000 who are enrolled in Medi-Cal, with innovative, inclusive and data-driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.