CFILC and other disability community organizations are deeply concerned that more than half of the Governor's state budget cuts are targeted at California's health and human services safety net, including critical programs such as Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and significant spending cuts to developmental services, which affect clients of California’s Regional Center systems. Worse, these budget cuts specifically target undocumented disabled Californians and the direct care workforce — both IHSS and Regional Center providers.

Here are some budget cuts that we are watching closely and are urging consumers to contact their legislators about the impact of these cuts:

• Reinstatement of the Medi-Cal Asset Test
  • Reinstates a $2000 asset limit for individuals and $3000 limit for couples, effective no sooner than January 1, 2026. This will directly impact newly eligible Medi-Cal recipients who own property or assets above the limits, disqualifying them from the program.

 

• Enrollment Freeze for Undocumented Adults in Medi-Cal
  • Effective January 1, 2026, undocumented Californians will be ineligible for Medi-Cal.

 

• IHSS Elimination for Undocumented Adults

 

• Monthly Medi-Cal Premiums for certain populations
  • Implementation of $100 per month premiums for those who will qualify for federal funds and those currently enrolled in Medi-Cal full-scope expansion aged 19 and over, effective January 1, 2027.

 

• Trigger Cuts to California Food Access Program Expansion for Adults 55+
  • These cuts reduce access to this critical food program for individuals who are ineligible for CalFresh due to their immigration status.

 

• Department of Developmental Services Specific Cuts
  • Self-Determination Program Budget Reduction
    • Reduction of $22.5 million in FY 2025-26 and $45.5 million ongoing thereafter.
  • Direct Service Professional Workforce Training and Development
    • Eliminates funding for this program not yet implemented to support DSP workforce.

 

Please join us in our emergency response advocacy efforts to protect these programs that are critical for people with disabilities and older adults.