​​​​​​Medi-Cal Member Advisory Committee (MMAC) Meeting Minutes

Welcome and Opening

• ​MMAC members were welcomed, and the language justice and community norms were reviewed to remind participants of engagement and participation practices.

• Participants were asked to disclose any conflicts of interest; none were identified.

• Michael Freeman provided an overview of the areas he oversees as Assistant Deputy Director of the ​Health Care Benefits & Eligibility Division. 

• MMAC members viewed and reflected on the art developed from the MMAC and Medi-Cal Voices and Vision Council joint meeting in September. The art piece, which was created by artist Tiranjini Pillai, represents the trust between the community and DHCS. ​​

Committee Updates

Questions about the presentation:

• ​Question: What is the income limit; how much is the 138% per month?
  

• ​​DHCS response: For a single individual, $1800 a month; for two people, $2430 a month
  

• Question: What about the share cost population? 
  

• DHCS response: The share of cost population will not be subject to the requirement. 
  

• Question: What about the 250% working disabled population?
  

• ​DHCS Response: This population will not be subject to the requirement. 
  

• Members who rely heavily on Medi-Cal services are the ones who are most likely the most aware of this change. 
  

• Some members shared that there is worry about whether there will be enough volunteer opportunities to meet the 80-hour requirement. 
  

• Questions were raised about how volunteer or work hours will be tracked, especially considering challenges in the current job market and the impact of AI on entry-level jobs. 
  

• One member shared prior experience with verifying volunteer hours, which involved working with an assigned person to sign off and approve hours, suggesting a need for clear processes and support. ​
  

• ​A member shared that those with mental health challenges will now have an even more difficult time accessing services due to this barrier. 
  

• Members asked for more clarity on the exemptions, including what happens if someone completes less than the required 80 hours (e.g., 75 hours). 
  

• ​Members are intetested in hearing how exactly the process will wrk and how quickly members will see repercussions. 
  

• Many members shared that this was the first time they were hearing about the work requirement changes, so theres a general sense of confusion and concern. 
  

• Members want to understand how the process will work, including: 
  

• ​Timeline for enforcement and when members might begin seeing consequences. 
  

• Automation and privacy and conset. 
  

• Repercussions: Anxiety about how quickly penalties or changes might by applied. 
  

• Some members reported hearing: 
  

• ​Medi-Cal may no longer be free starting in 2026, with fees attached, a source of significant concern. 

• Private insurance costs may increase, though no direct link to Medi-Cal was confirmed. 

• Medi-Cal coverage might be removed for some members. 

• Member expressed that change is difficult and emphasized the importance of: 
  

• Sharing accurate information quickly. 

• Providing support systems to help members understand and navigate the changes. 
  

​What can we do to support you or other members? 

• Emphasis on tailoring outreach to specific communities, especially: 
  

• Older adults who may not be reached through digital channels. 
  

• Families who may be impacted in complex ways. 
  

• Suggestions included: 
  

• Clear, early communication of details. 
  

• Outreach in trusted community spaces. 
  

• Strategies to combat misinformation and address fear, trauma, and anxiety. 
  

• Host listening sessions to gather common concerns and publish responses on the DHCS website. 
  

• Plain language: Use simple, clear, and concise messaging, and avoid overly wordy content. Provide Shareable materials that are easy to understand as a glanc. 
  

• Consider using humor or engaging formats to make information more approachable. 
  

• Multiple Channels: 
  

• Social media for younger audiences. 
  

• Senior centers, community health workers (CHW), and peer support specialists for older or underserved populations. 
  

• Mailers and DHCS website for those not active on social media. 
  

• Public service announcements, YouTube, podcasts, and local media to reach broader audiences. 
  

• Ensure the communication system reflects the diverse needs, cultures, and values. 
  

• Maintain message consistency across professionals and platforms. 
  

• Improve transparency in all communications.
  

• Consider community clinics and similar settings as potential volunteer sites.
  

• Increase outreach efforts in places where Medi-Cal members most frequently visit, such as doctors' offices. 
  

• Develop strategies to disseminate accurate information and address fear, trauma, and misinformation that may arise from these changes. 
  

• Allow time for members to process the information and understand how they can support themselves. 
  

• Acknowledge that the upcoming changes will be difficult, and many people will need guidance and reassurance. 
  

• County services can play a key role in steering and supporting members. 
  

• One member shared that in the disability community, paperwork burdens are already high. The work requirement shouldn't apply to this population, but if it does, the paperwork will be unbearable and must be made manageable. 
  

• Communities that aren't affected need reassurance. 
  

Member Comments

​Type of Action: Information

​Facilitators: Maria Romero-Mora

Discussion Topics:

• Members shared mixed feelings about the upcoming changes. Many appreciated being informed and praised the group for listening and taking action. Some asked for simple, easy-to-read flyers and online resources to help them understand what’s coming. Others expressed worry. One member was concerned for a parent turning 64, while another said the changes feel like a “paperwork nightmare” for people with disabilities and asked for reassurance. There were questions about opting out, and some described the changes as “heartbreaking,” stressing that preparation is key. Despite concerns, members offered hope and support, saying the group should “join hands” to help families through these changes.