Federal Law Requires 80 Monthly Work Hours for Specific Medi-Cal Adults

80 hours. That is the minimum monthly activity requirement imposed on a specific subset of Medi-Cal recipients by federal law H.R. 1. The rule targets adults ages 19 through 64 enrolled through the Affordable Care Act expansion, a cohort the state designates as the New Adult Group. These changes take effect in 2027, introducing both work mandates and stricter eligibility timelines.

The California Department of Health Care Services, known as DHCS, is currently notifying affected members. New applicants will face the Work and Community Engagement Requirements, or WCER, immediately upon applying starting January 1, 2027. For those already enrolled, the shift begins in March 2027. Members will receive notices detailing their specific obligations and any additional data required to maintain coverage.

The 80-hour threshold can be met through several methods. Individuals may work 80 hours per month, a figure calculated as 80 hours at the federal minimum wage of $580. Alternatives include volunteering, completing community service, or participating in qualifying job training programs. Attending school at least half-time also satisfies the requirement. Members may combine these activities to reach the total. Seasonal workers and those with fluctuating incomes may qualify for additional options.

Exemptions exist for specific circumstances. Pregnant individuals and those receiving postpartum care are excused. Parents or caretakers of children age 13 or younger do not need to meet the hour requirement. The rule also spares people with qualifying medical conditions or disabilities, those with Medicare coverage, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, and certain former foster youth under age 26. San Bernardino County will review member files to determine eligibility for these waivers.

Renewal cycles will also shorten for this group. Affected members must undergo eligibility reviews every six months rather than annually. A member renewing in March 2027 will face a subsequent review in September 2027. Being excused from the work hour mandate does not automatically waive the six-month renewal requirement. Members in other coverage groups will keep their existing schedules.

Outreach efforts began in February 2026 with text messages, followed by mailed letters starting in August 2026. These materials are available in multiple languages. The county includes this information in application packets for new and returning members through the end of 2026. The county advises members to keep contact information current and monitor mail and online accounts for notices.

Members can manage benefits through the BenefitsCal online portal. They should report income or household changes promptly and return forms by stated deadlines. San Bernardino County continues to coordinate with DHCS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to share updates as further guidance arrives.