Medi-Cal Changes

Most people will keep their Medi-Cal benefits. However, beginning in 2027, some members will face new requirements or reduced coverage. Which changes apply depends on age, health, family situation and immigration status. 

When?

January 1, 2026

January 1, 2027

March 1, 2027

July 1, 2027

October 1, 2028

What Will Change?

Enrollment Freeze: No new undocumented adults (ages 19+) seeking full-scope Medi-Cal will be enrolled starting Jan 1, 2026. Adults already enrolled or who applied before January 1, 2026, may generally keep coverage if they remain eligible and complete renewals. Learn more here.

Work / School Requirement: Some adults (aged 19-64) will have to work, attend school, train or volunteer to meet an activity requirement or reduced coverage

Fewer Bills Covered: 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.

Fee-for Service Transition: Some members will get their care through Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal instead of a health plan. This changes how you get care, not whether you can keep Medi-Cal.

Eligibility: Some Medi-Cal members will have their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.

Immigration Status Changes: Coverage changes for some immigration categories. Some noncitizens who previously qualified for full-scope Medi-Cal will instead receive only pregnancy-related and emergency services, depending on their immigration status and eligibility category.

Monthly premiums for some members. Certain adults will need to pay a monthly premium to keep full-scope Medi-Cal. Exempt groups include children, pregnant people, and some other protected populations.

Dental Coverage: Dental benefits will be reduced for certain adult immigrants. Affected members will generally retain only emergency dental services (severe tooth pain, dental infections, necessary tooth removal).

Asset Limits: 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.

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)

Who is affected?

Immigrants

Adults (aged 19-64)

Adults (aged 19-64) without children ages 0-18

Immigrants

Adults (aged 19-64)

Immigrants

Immigrants

Immigrants

Adults (aged 19-64) and people with disabilities

Copayments for Medi-Cal: Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Medi-Cal may need to pay a fee (called a copayment) for certain services.

Adults (aged 19-64) who are not pregnant, on Medicare, and/or make more than $15,560 a year

How to Keep Your Medi-Cal

  1. You will get letters by mail, text, or email. Make sure your Medi-Cal contact information is up to date so you don’t miss any important messages.

  2. Check your mail and respond quickly to Medi-Cal renewal packets or letters from your health plan or your county Medi-Cal office.

  3. Know when you need to renew. You can renew online or contact your county Medi-Cal office if you don’t get your renewal notice.

  4. Keep going to your doctor visits and other appointments. Ask if video or phone visits are available.

  5. Ask questions and get help if you are unsure about anything.