A $4.5 trillion spending cut bill, recently passed by the U.S. House, will significantly reduce funding for SNAP and Medi-Cal, introducing stricter work requirements for beneficiaries. In Alameda County, over 30% of residents rely on Medi-Cal, while 10% are on CalFresh. The new legislation will require recipients to prove their employment status or caregiving responsibilities, leading to potential challenges obtaining essential support. Critics argue these measures impose bureaucratic barriers, increasing poverty, suffering, and adverse health consequences for vulnerable populations. The cuts threaten the ability to maintain independence for many, risking homelessness and institutionalization.
Over half a million people, or about 30% of the population, in Alameda County are enrolled in Medi-Cal, while about 10%, or 170,000 people receive benefits through CalFresh.
Under the new bill, people seeking health care or help feeding their families will have to prove they are disabled, parents caring for children or otherwise show that they are working.
Local organizations say the requirements add unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles many people will not be able to meet and will result in increased suffering, poverty and worsen health outcomes.
The cuts are a direct hit to our ability to help people stay in their homes who will now be forced into homelessness or institutions.
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