OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Alameda County Board of Supervisors Special Joint Meeting on HR1 Impacts – February 11, 2026

Board of Supervisors — Wednesday, February 11, 2026
BodyAlameda County, California
SessionBoard of Supervisors
DateWednesday, February 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:03:14
Transcript — Verbatim
2:07

Okay.

2:14

Okay, that goes.

2:17

All right.

2:18

Good afternoon.

2:19

And welcome to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors special joint meeting of the public purpose and health committee meeting for Monday, February the 9th, 2026.

2:29

We are formed to talk about HR one.

2:32

So may I have roll call, please?

2:35

Supervisor Miley.

2:38

Present.

2:38

Supervisor reports on the past.

2:40

Present.

2:41

We have a form.

2:43

Thank you.

2:44

Do you want to go through instructions?

2:46

Sure.

2:48

Public participation is allowed in person online via the for all participants.

2:53

Please state your name for the record prior to your comment.

2:56

If you wish to speak on a matter not on the agenda, please wait until supervisors.

3:01

Supervisor Tab calls for public and put a non-agenda item.

3:05

Only matters within the committee's jurisdiction may be addressed.

3:10

Do you know where the clerk that you wish to speak?

3:13

So in person for the speaker card at the front of the room and have it to the clerk.

3:18

The clerk will call your name and allow you to speak.

3:21

For online participants, please use the raise hand function at the bottom of the screen.

3:25

The clerk call your name and allow you to unmute when it is your turn.

3:31

You raise and lower your hand.

3:35

Thank you.

4:36

Today we are going to present on some of the updates related to the CalPresh program on HR one.

4:47

So to begin, we're going to talk about all of the provisions in HR one that pertain to Cal Fresh.

4:53

The first that we'll talk about is the limiting of the uh state utility allowance subsidies.

5:01

We also call that as SUAS.

5:04

This policy went into effect last year, October 31st, 2005.

5:10

What the SUAS is, it is a $20.10 cash benefit payment that's loaded onto a household's EBT cards, and it allows households to qualify for the largest utility allowance.

5:22

There are three of them.

5:24

There's the standard utility allowance, which is the highest, the limited utility allowance, which is the one below, and then lastly the telephone utility allowance.

5:32

What the standard utility allowance does is because it is the highest utility allowance, it will generally lead to a greater CalFresh benefit issuance for eligible households.

5:45

What HR1 has done now is added an additional requirement to qualify for SUAS.

5:50

So beginning October 31st of last year, only households that have a elderly, which is 60 or older, or a disabled member will now qualify for SUAS.

6:02

At each household's next recertification on or after October 31st, we will reevaluate to see if that household comprises an elderly or disabled individual.

6:12

And if it does not, that household will lose the standard utility allowance, the SUA, which is again the highest utility allowance, and they'll be bracketed down to either the limited utility allowance or the telephone utility allowance, or if they don't meet any of those utility allowances, they won't get a utility allowance at all.

6:33

What this does is the negative impact is that we will likely see the individuals that lose access to the SUS payment and to SUA, they will have a lower CalFresh benefit allotment.

6:44

And in some very rare cases, the household could also lose access to CalFresh entirely, can be no longer eligible.

6:52

The next uh impact is the reevaluation of the thrifty food plan.

6:57

This again is uh, oh sorry, uh what this does is it limits how frequently and how much the CalFresh benefit allowances the issuances can be.

7:10

Every year at the beginning of federal fiscal year, which is from October 1st through September 30th of the following year, uh USDA food and nutrition services, FNS, they calculate a cost of living adjustment.

7:24

And so the reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan uh has made it so that the cost of food increases over time or any changes to the dietary guidelines from the federal government will not be taken into consideration, and as a result, uh what we will likely see is the CalFresh benefit uh maximum benefit amounts will likely uh increase very low, very small each federal fiscal year or not at all.

7:54

Uh one other provision of this is that uh CalFresh benefits.

7:58

Currently there is no cap, but under HR1 household sizes of 18 or greater will be capped.

8:05

There'll be a maximum benefit that they can receive, even though they may be uh potentially entitled to more, they're just gonna be capped at 18.

8:13

In Alameda County, we do not have any households that are of this size, but there could be in the future.

8:22

Next is also an impact to our internet expenses.

8:28

Um, prior to HR1 in 2024, um, we USDA FNS did pass a provision that would allow the uh the expense of a basic internet service to be added on to the determination of the standard utility allowance, the SUA that I mentioned before.

8:47

This would likely have resulted in a higher SUA amount, which again, when we deduct against a household's income, would have resulted in greater CalFresh benefits.

8:58

HR1 has removed this.

9:00

So, beginning this current federal fiscal year, then again, October 1st of 2025.

9:05

We have removed the calculation of internet expenses.

9:10

Um the state's California Department of Social Services actually had not been able to implement these changes yet.

9:16

So there is no visible impact to the households, but it just in on policy-wise, it is a detriment to our CalFresh recipients.

9:25

And then lastly, on here, um another provision is the repealing of our SNAP education funding here in California that is referred to as the CalFresh Healthy Living Program.

9:29

Beginning this current federal fiscal year, again, October 1st of 2025, we are no longer able to use federal funding.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Workforce Development██████████████████████████████30%
Community Engagement███████████████████████████27%
Fiscal Sustainability██████████████████████████26%
Miscellaneous█████████████████17%
Summary of Proceedings

Alameda County Board of Supervisors Special Joint Meeting on HR1 Impacts – February 11, 2026

This special joint meeting of the Public Purpose and Health Committee focused on the impacts of the federal HR1 legislation on CalFresh and Medi-Cal programs in Alameda County. Staff from the Social Services Agency (SSA) and Alameda County Health (AC Health) presented detailed data on policy changes, implementation timelines, projected coverage losses, and fiscal implications. No public comments were received on the informational items.

CalFresh HR1 Update – Provisions and Impact

  • Staff outlined several HR1 provisions affecting CalFresh, including limitations on the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, removal of internet expenses from utility allowances, repeal of SNAP-Ed (CalFresh Healthy Living) funding, and changes to administrative cost sharing and matching funds requirements.
  • Beginning October 31, 2025, only households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member qualify for the SUA, which generally leads to higher CalFresh benefits. Households not meeting this criterion will be moved to a lower utility allowance, reducing their benefit allotment or potentially losing eligibility.
  • The Thrifty Food Plan reevaluation will restrict cost-of-living adjustments, likely resulting in minimal benefit increases. Households of 18 or more will face a cap on benefits (currently no such households in Alameda County).
  • Internet expenses were removed from utility allowance calculations effective October 1, 2025, though California had not yet implemented this change, so no visible impact yet.
  • CalFresh Healthy Living (SNAP-Ed) lost federal funding; California is using remaining funds to preserve data and research for potential future restart.
  • Administrative cost sharing changes (effective October 1, 2026) will shift more costs to counties. SSA estimates a $6.7 million increase in county costs for administrative funding based on January 2026 estimates.
  • A matching funds requirement tied to payment error rate (PER) is slated for federal fiscal year 2028. California’s current PER is 11.01% (over 10%), which would trigger the highest match (15%), estimated at $1.9–$2.1 billion annually for the state if implemented today. The state currently has no legislation to share this cost with counties.

ABOD (Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents) Rules – Changes and Data

  • Under HR1, ABOD definition expanded: ages 18–64 (previously 18–54), dependent child age lowered to under 14 (previously under 18). Three exemptions eliminated: unhoused, veterans, and former foster youth under 24. New exemption added for Indian/urban Indian/California Indian. State waivers now only allowed if unemployment exceeds 10%; Alameda County does not qualify for a waiver.
  • ABODs must work 20 hours/week (or 80 hours/month) or meet an exemption. Work can be paid employment, self-employment, in-kind work, or participation in CalFresh Employment & Training, WIOA, Trade Act programs, or community service/volunteering.
  • As of January 2026, Alameda County has approximately 171,000 CalFresh recipients. Of those, about 40,000 are ABODs: 12,500 exempt and 27,000 non-exempt (at risk of losing benefits after three months if they do not meet work/exemption requirements).
  • Breakdown of non-exempt ABODs: 43% Black/African American, 20.4% White, 11.9% Other Hispanic, 10.9% Mexican, 9.5% Chinese, 4.2% Vietnamese. 89% speak English, 5% Spanish, 3.6% Mandarin, etc.
  • Implementation begins June 1, 2026: new applicants subject to ABOD rules; current recipients will be screened at their next recertification (by May 2027). SSA is training staff, updating policies, and planning public outreach (May is CalFresh Awareness Month). Staff anticipate many non-exempt ABODs may qualify for other exemptions (e.g., disability, Social Security) after full screening.

Non-Citizen Eligibility Changes

  • Beginning April 1, 2026, only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, COFA agreement individuals, and Cuban/Haitian entrants will retain CalFresh eligibility. Refugees, asylees, parolees (except Cuban/Haitian), victims of trafficking, battered non-citizens, and certain Afghan/Ukrainian parolees will lose eligibility unless they adjust to LPR status.
  • The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will not cover most of these groups except battered non-citizens and parolees (572 parolees, 312 battered non-citizens estimated). No other state-funded food assistance program exists for these populations.
  • Approximately 5,000 non-citizens in Alameda County are projected to lose CalFresh. Geographic breakdown: District 1: 622, District 2: 962, District 3: 1,703, District 4: 1,607, District 5: 352. Largest ethnic groups: Guatemalan (27%), Mexican (21.4%), Afghan (21.4%). 68% are adults 18–59, 24% children 0–17, 8% seniors 60+.
  • SSA is preparing system updates, policy handbooks, and community outreach. They have briefed the East Bay Refugee and Immigration Forum and are partnering with CBOs. Legal referrals provided: Central Legal de la Raza, Chinese Progressive Association, California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice. Alameda County Community Food Bank hotline available for all residents regardless of status.

Backbone Agencies Update – Medi-Cal and Health Impacts

  • SSA and AC Health reported on Medi-Cal enrollment trends, work requirements, asset limits, and state implementation plans. Total active Medi-Cal caseload declined from ~439,200 in January 2025 to ~410,800 in December 2025, with a notable dip between August and September possibly due to HR1 news and chilling effects.
  • New Medi-Cal enrollments ranged from 5,100 (February 2025) to 7,700 (August 2025). For the MAGI population, new enrollments lowest in February (~3,300) and highest in August/October (~5,100).
  • Medi-Cal work and community engagement requirements take effect January 1, 2027. Approximately 151,100 current Medi-Cal members (ages 19–64 in MAGI new adult group) may be subject to requirements. Of these, 39,700 have unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS) and 121,400 have satisfactory status. Qualifying activities: employment earning at least 80x federal minimum wage (~$580/month), community service, student half-time or more, or approved work programs.
  • Asset limits reinstated January 1, 2026 for non-MAGI Medi-Cal (exceptions: PICL, disabled adult children/widows, minor consent). About 49,400 individuals enrolled in non-MAGI between January 2024 and December 2025. Monthly new enrollments increased in 2025 (peak ~2,500 in November) compared to 2024 (peak ~2,000).
  • Projected coverage losses due to HR1 and state changes (using Georgetown University Better Government Lab analysis): 31% reduction in UIS enrollment due to freeze, 21% reduction due to work requirements (CY 2027), 20% reduction due to administrative barriers (CY 2026-27). Non-MAGI asset limit impact still being assessed.
  • HealthPac (indigent care) enrollment declined from ~2,900 to 2,661 in 2025. Anticipated increase as people lose Medi-Cal. CSAC estimates statewide cost shift to counties of $6–9.5 billion annually (including public hospital and indigent care impacts). For the 12 public hospital counties (including Alameda), estimated $1.3–$3.3 billion combined.
  • DHCS released a 38-page implementation plan on January 29, 2026, but it lacks specific federal guidance. State plans to issue guidance to counties, update systems, and streamline processes, but key details remain pending. Advocacy efforts ongoing via CWDA and CSAC.

Key Outcomes

  • No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational.
  • Staff committed to providing regular progress updates on ABOD implementation, non-citizen impacts, and Medi-Cal coverage losses at future committee meetings.
  • SSA will work with the CAO’s office to develop county-specific fiscal estimates for the HR1-related cost shifts, including impacts on eligibility worker needs and indigent care.
  • The committee expressed serious concern about the magnitude of federal policy changes and emphasized the need to ramp up outreach, staffing, and advocacy. Supervisors thanked staff for their thorough analysis and preparation.
  • Next steps: Continued monitoring of state budget (May revise), advocacy for state assistance, and development of harm mitigation strategies including expanded use of CalFresh Employment & Training, food bank partnerships, and legal referrals for immigrants.

Meeting Transcript

Okay. Okay, that goes. All right. Good afternoon. And welcome to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors special joint meeting of the public purpose and health committee meeting for Monday, February the 9th, 2026. We are formed to talk about HR one. So may I have roll call, please? Supervisor Miley. Present. Supervisor reports on the past. Present. We have a form. Thank you. Do you want to go through instructions? Sure. Public participation is allowed in person online via the for all participants. Please state your name for the record prior to your comment. If you wish to speak on a matter not on the agenda, please wait until supervisors. Supervisor Tab calls for public and put a non-agenda item. Only matters within the committee's jurisdiction may be addressed. Do you know where the clerk that you wish to speak? So in person for the speaker card at the front of the room and have it to the clerk. The clerk will call your name and allow you to speak. For online participants, please use the raise hand function at the bottom of the screen. The clerk call your name and allow you to unmute when it is your turn. You raise and lower your hand. Thank you. Today we are going to present on some of the updates related to the CalPresh program on HR one. So to begin, we're going to talk about all of the provisions in HR one that pertain to Cal Fresh. The first that we'll talk about is the limiting of the uh state utility allowance subsidies. We also call that as SUAS. This policy went into effect last year, October 31st, 2005. What the SUAS is, it is a $20.10 cash benefit payment that's loaded onto a household's EBT cards, and it allows households to qualify for the largest utility allowance. There are three of them. There's the standard utility allowance, which is the highest, the limited utility allowance, which is the one below, and then lastly the telephone utility allowance. What the standard utility allowance does is because it is the highest utility allowance, it will generally lead to a greater CalFresh benefit issuance for eligible households. What HR1 has done now is added an additional requirement to qualify for SUAS. So beginning October 31st of last year, only households that have a elderly, which is 60 or older, or a disabled member will now qualify for SUAS. At each household's next recertification on or after October 31st, we will reevaluate to see if that household comprises an elderly or disabled individual. And if it does not, that household will lose the standard utility allowance, the SUA, which is again the highest utility allowance, and they'll be bracketed down to either the limited utility allowance or the telephone utility allowance, or if they don't meet any of those utility allowances, they won't get a utility allowance at all. What this does is the negative impact is that we will likely see the individuals that lose access to the SUS payment and to SUA, they will have a lower CalFresh benefit allotment. And in some very rare cases, the household could also lose access to CalFresh entirely, can be no longer eligible. The next uh impact is the reevaluation of the thrifty food plan. This again is uh, oh sorry, uh what this does is it limits how frequently and how much the CalFresh benefit allowances the issuances can be. Every year at the beginning of federal fiscal year, which is from October 1st through September 30th of the following year, uh USDA food and nutrition services, FNS, they calculate a cost of living adjustment. And so the reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan uh has made it so that the cost of food increases over time or any changes to the dietary guidelines from the federal government will not be taken into consideration, and as a result, uh what we will likely see is the CalFresh benefit uh maximum benefit amounts will likely uh increase very low, very small each federal fiscal year or not at all. Uh one other provision of this is that uh CalFresh benefits. Currently there is no cap, but under HR1 household sizes of 18 or greater will be capped. There'll be a maximum benefit that they can receive, even though they may be uh potentially entitled to more, they're just gonna be capped at 18. In Alameda County, we do not have any households that are of this size, but there could be in the future.

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