Big changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh are rolling out this year in San Mateo County, and officials are sounding the alarm. The county says the shifts could affect who qualifies, how much help people receive, and how often residents must prove they are still eligible, and that letting paperwork slide could lead to a break in coverage.
In a post on X, the County of San Mateo urged residents to get ahead of the curve by updating their records at BenefitsCal, opening and responding to county mail, and renewing on time. The post also pointed people to a helpline, 1-800-223-8383, for anyone who needs assistance, and cautioned that phone wait times may vary, suggesting a visit to a county Human Services Agency (HSA) office for in-person help.
Changes are coming to Medi-Cal and CalFresh in San Mateo County and they can be confusing.
— County of San Mateo (@sanmateoco) March 18, 2026
Take action now: update your info at https://t.co/JNBSFuhaRe, open/respond to County mail, and renew on time.
Questions? Call 1-800-223-8383 or visit an HSA office. pic.twitter.com/MeOCVC5McX
What will change and when
State guidance tied to the federal H.R. 1 law will be phased in between 2026 and 2027 and brings a suite of eligibility and renewal changes to Medi-Cal and related programs. The California Department of Health Care Services outlines that, beginning January 1, 2027, certain adults will face work or community engagement requirements and twice-yearly Medi-Cal renewals. The state expects significant enrollment impacts as counties put the new rules into practice.
According to that plan, there will be exemptions and short-term hardship policies, but the state also flags a risk: more frequent checks and new reporting rules could increase the chances that people lose coverage if they miss paperwork or deadlines.
CalFresh changes arrive sooner. The California Department of Social Services reports that time-limit and work rules tied to H.R. 1 start June 1, and that many adults without young children will need to log 80 hours a month of work, school, or community engagement to keep food benefits. Locally, the San Mateo County Human Services Agency is urging residents to apply or update their profiles at BenefitsCal and to call 1-800-223-8383 if they need help with renewals or missing paperwork.
County guidance stresses some basic but crucial steps: make sure your BenefitsCal account lists your current address, phone number, and household information; open and respond to every renewal packet or notice from the county; and send in any requested verifications as quickly as possible. Community and legal groups are available to help with forms and immigration questions, including resources from Legal Aid of San Mateo County and outreach materials compiled by the California Association of Food Banks.
Legal and privacy notes
The San Mateo County Human Services Agency explains that it is required to share client demographic information with the state, which in turn shares data with federal agencies. At the same time, the county notes that lawsuits in California are currently blocking the use of SNAP and Medicaid information for immigration enforcement.
Residents worried about immigration consequences are advised to talk with county staff or legal aid before making changes to their benefits and to keep records of any letters, emails, or calls.
Local officials also emphasize the broader stakes. The Legislative Analyst's Office and state agencies project large enrollment and fiscal disruptions as H.R. 1 rolls out, which could increase pressure on county services and make on-time renewals even more important. For assistance, residents can call 1-800-223-8383 or check the county HSA website for the latest guidance and office hours.
