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: 1) Age 65 or older, 2) Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental), 3) Live in a nursing home, 4) 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.
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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:
1) Adults (age 19-64), 2) Are eligible for Medi-Cal because of the Affordable Care Act expansions, 3) 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.
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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: 1) Adults (age 19-64) including those affected by the immigrant-related changes. 2) 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
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:
1) Age 65 or older, 2) Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental), 3) Live in a nursing home, 4) 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
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.
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October 1, 2028 - Some Medi-Cal members will start paying co-payments
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.
