The CalFresh participation rate in Nevada County continues to lag. The utilization rate is 35th out of the 58 counties, according to the latest report from California Food Policy Advocates. Social Services Director Mike Dent says the Affordable Care Act has greatly expanded MediCal eligibility. There are now 20,400 recipients, but only 8,500 on the program. And he’s not sure why, since a number of non-profit agencies have been partnering with the county in outreach efforts in recent years…
The report says if CalFresh reached all potentially eligible residents, Nevada County would receive an additional $7.8 million in federally-funded benefits each year. And those benefits would result in over $14 million of additional state and local economic activity…
Dent also says outreach efforts have really been stepped up for seniors, many of whom may feel they don’t need the assistance. And many people may also not be aware of several long-standing barriers being eliminated recently. Applicants no longer have to provide fingerprints and they are not disqualified just for owning a reliable car. The state has also adopted a new policy on income limits, which provides some flexibility for CalFresh applicants facing very high housing, child care, or health care expenses. If you think you’re eligible, get in touch with the Nevada County Department of Social Services.
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