CalFresh Benefit Changes
April 1, 2026 - CalFresh eligibility ends for some special immigrant populations
What is Changing?
On April 1, 2026, some lawfully present noncitizens in California, including refugees, asylees, parolees, and victims of trafficking will no longer be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Please see CDSS Noncitizen Eligibility Flyer and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for information regarding the changes.
If you are in one of the special immigrant categories, you may want to consult with your worker or check BenefitsCal.com to confirm any changes to your eligibility.
June 1, 2026 - CalFresh work requirements expand to include a broader age range and fewer exemptions
What is Changing?
On June 1, 2026, work requirements expand to ages 18-64 (up from 54). Exemptions end for certain groups, specifically impacting veterans, young adults aging out of foster care, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
There will be a three-month limit to CalFresh benefits for those that do not meet work requirements or have an exemption.
The state has developed a helpful Prescreening Tool to help you understand if these changes may impact you. Learn more about CalFresh work requirements on the State CalFresh Information pages. Individuals who meet another federal exemption
Click here for ABAWD Work and Community Engagement Rules (PDF).
Please visit the CDSS website for more information.
Medi-Cal Benefit Changes
January 1, 2026 Adults without satisfactory immigration status will no longer be able to enroll in new full-scope Medi-Cal
What is Changing?
Effective January 1, 2026, California froze new enrollment in full-scope Medi-Cal for most undocumented adults aged 19 and older. New applications from this group now only qualify for emergency, pregnancy or nursing home-related services. Learn more about Medi-Cal changes for immigrants here.
January 1, 2026 - Some members will need to have their property reviewed due to the reinstatement of property evaluations
What is Changing?
As of January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal has changed the amount of certain assets (things you own that have value) you can own when you apply or renew. Income rules have not changed.
This applies to:
Age 65 or older
Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental)
Live in a nursing home
Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
January 1, 2027 - Some members will get their care through Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal instead of a managed care plan
What is Changing?
Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status will be transitioned from a managed care delivery system to a fee-for-service delivery system. This may affect which doctors and providers are available to you. More details will be available closer to the transition date.
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
January 1, 2027 - Medi-Cal work requirements begin for some adults
What is Changing?
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, some adults are required to work or volunteer or go to school to continue receiving Medi-Cal benefits. Medi-Cal will send you a letter if this applies to you.
This Applies to:
Adults (age 19-64)
Are eligible for Medi-Cal because of the Affordable Care Act expansions
Don’t meet any exemptions
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for important information on exceptions and how to meet this requirement.
January 1, 2027 - Medi-Cal will cover fewer months of past medical bills incurred before the application date
What is Changing?
Starting January 1, 2027, Medi-Cal will pay for fewer months of medical bills from before you applied. If this rule applies to you, Medi-Cal will send you a letter.
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
March 1, 2027 - Medi-Cal renewals shift to every six months
What is Changing?
Starting March 1, 2027, some adults ages 19–64 without children under 19 will need to renew Medi-Cal every six months instead of annually. Missing deadlines could result in loss of coverage.
This Applies to:
Adults (age 19-64) including those affected by the immigrant-related changes.
Are eligible for Medi-Cal because of the Affordable Care Act expansions
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
July 1, 2027 - Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status begin paying a monthly premium.
What is Changing?
Starting July 1, 2027 Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status will need to pay a monthly fee (called a premium) to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal. If you don’t pay, your Medi-Cal will change and you will only get restricted Medi-Cal.
This Applies to:
Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart.
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
July 1, 2027 - Dental benefits eliminated for Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status
What is Changing?
Some Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status will stop getting full-scope dental services as part of their Medi-Cal coverage. Emergency dental care will still be available.
This Applies to:
Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart.
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
July 1, 2027 - Property limits are reduced for some members
What is Changing?
Starting July 1, 2027, the asset limit is:
$21,000 for one person
$31,000 for two people
Add $1,550 for every extra person in your house (up to 10 people)
This Applies to:
Age 65 or older
Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental)
Live in a nursing home
Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
July 1, 2027 - The federal government will update how certain immigration statuses are classified
What is Changing?
Starting July 1, 2027, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses.
You may be affected if you get Medi-Cal and are:
A refugee or asylee – someone who left their home country for safety and don’t yet have a Green Card
A humanitarian parolee – someone allowed into the U.S. for urgent reasons for at least one year
A survivor of domestic violence or human trafficking, and you have a pending status
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
October 1, 2028 - Some Medi-Cal members will start paying co-payments
What is Changing?
Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Medi-Cal may have to pay a fee (called a copayment) for certain services.
This Applies to:
Adults (age 19-64), and
Are not pregnant, (Pregnancy coverage lasts through your whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends.)
Adults not on Medicare
Adults who make more than $15,560 a year
Please visit the DHCS Medi-Cal website for more information.
Additional Resources
FLYER: H R 1 Changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh Eligibility (English)
FLYER: H R 1 Changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh Eligibility (Spanish)