Faith leaders deliver petitions, urge Alameda County to restore Medi‑Cal and provide 30‑day medication supply on jail release

Faith and Action East Bay and a coalition of congregations told the Alameda County Board of Supervisors that lapses in Medi‑Cal coverage after jail release put people with mental illness and chronic conditions at high risk and urged the county to act to ensure continuity of benefits.

"California law provides that Medi Cal benefits are suspended upon incarceration and terminated if the period of incarceration exceeds 1 year," a Faith and Action representative said, urging the board to use authority in AB 720 to allow county staff to meet with people before release and complete enrollment paperwork so benefits resume immediately.

Reverend Marjorie Matthews of Plymouth Church said that restoring continuous coverage and access to medications is a matter of justice. "When our county's policies and procedures reflect that commitment . . . that's justice, and we are here today asking you and trusting you to do justice," she said.

Several congregations presented signed petitions to the clerk on the issue and speakers highlighted practical barriers to reentry, including lack of identification, transportation and short pharmacy fills. Richard Spiegelman of Kahila Community Synagogue said the petitions were widely supported and urged the board to ensure relevant county departments "are working on this problem at the latest by tomorrow." The petitions were delivered to the clerk during public comment.

Board President said the matter "will be taken up in a future meeting," and staff and supervisors indicated county social services and health agency involvement would be required to implement changes.

What happened next: the board did not vote on specific policy or directive during this meeting. Public commenters requested action to (1) use AB 720 authority to allow county staff into jails to enroll or reinstate Medi‑Cal before release, (2) provide a 30‑day supply of medication at discharge, and (3) direct county departments to report back on possible steps and timelines.

The petitioners asked for an expedited response; the board acknowledged receipt and said staff would follow up and the item would be scheduled for further consideration.