Medi-Cal Changes 2026-2028
What is changing?
Most members will not see changes to their coverage. However, some members may see changes to their benefits and care.
2026
- Some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status.
- Individuals subject to the enrollment freeze can keep full-scope coverage if they complete timely renewals and continue to meet Medi-Cal eligibility rules.
- A three-month grace period is available to reenroll into full scope Medi-Cal for those who missed their renewal deadline.
- Exceptions (enrollment freeze does not apply): Children ages 0 to 18, pregnant or postpartum people (up to 1 year after pregnancy), former foster youth under 26.
2027
- Starting January 1, 2027, some members will get their Medi-Cal care through Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal instead of a health plan. This change is based on immigration status and affects how Medi-Cal members get care.
- Affected people will no longer be in a health plan. They can choose any doctor that accepts FFS Medi-Cal.
- “Fee-for-Service” does not mean the member pays. Medi-Cal still pays for care.
- This applies to:
- Undocumented people.
- Some people with green cards who are in the five-year waiting period before they can get full-scope federal Medicaid.
- People considered Permanently Residing in the U.S. Under Color of Law (PRUCOL), meaning they are allowed to stay in the U.S. even without formal immigration status.
- For details, view the DHCS Immigration Categories page.
- Some adult Medi-Cal members between ages 19 to 64 will need to work, volunteer, go to school or participate in training to keep Medi-Cal.
- These new work or volunteer rules do not apply to:
- Children (0–18).
- Older adults (65 and older).
- Pregnant people (through pregnancy and up to one year after).
- Parents of children ages 0-13.
- People with disabilities.
- People with serious health or mental health conditions or substance use problems.
- People who were released from jail or prison within the last 90 days.
- People on Medicare Part A or Part B.
- American Indians or Alaska Natives.
- People under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
- Starting March 1, 2027, Medi-Cal redeterminations will occur every six months for adults who are enrolled in Medi-Cal.
- These members will continue with once-a-year renewals:
- Members in a Medi-Cal program that is not under the Affordable Care Act new adult group.
- Pregnant or postpartum individuals.
- Alaska Native or American Indian members.
- Former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
- In 2026, the federal government is changing how it classifies some immigration statuses (a person’s legal standing in the U.S. based on how and why they came here).
- Members may be affected if they get Medi-Cal and are:
- A refugee or asylee.
- A humanitarian parolee.
- A survivor of domestic violence or human trafficking.
- These people will keep getting state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027. After that, people in this group will only be eligible for pregnancy-related services and emergency services.
- Members may be affected if they get Medi-Cal and are:
- Find more information on the DHCS Immigration Categories page.
- Some members will need to pay monthly premiums to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal based on their immigration status.
- If affected members do not pay the premium, they will only get restricted scope Medi-Cal. This means they will only be able to get emergency care, pregnancy-related care or nursing home care.
- Members will not have to pay a premium if they are:
- A child (0-18 years old).
- A former foster youth under age 26 and were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
- Pregnant or within one year after their pregnancy ends.
- Some adult Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services based on their immigration status.
- Services for emergency dental needs will still be available to all Medi-Cal recipients regardless of immigration status.
- This change does not affect:
- Members who qualify for federal full-scope Medi-Cal.
- Children under age 19.
- People who are pregnant and for one year after pregnancy.
- Foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. They will keep dental benefits.
- An asset is something you own that has value. An asset limit is the most you can own in countable assets and still qualify for Medi-Cal. Starting July 1, 2027, the asset limit is being decreased to:
- $21,000 for one person.
- $31,000 for two people.
- Add $1,550 for every extra person in the house (up to 10 people).
- This change affects people who:
- Are 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.
- Learn more about this change on the DHCS website.
Questions?
To learn more about all the upcoming changes and who they affect, go to the DHCS website.
If you have questions about your eligibility, call or visit your county office.
Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency
Locations:
| Mariposa | Coulterville |
| 5362 Lemee Lane | 5026 Broadway |
| Mariposa, CA 95338 | Coulterville, CA 95311 |
Phone Number: 209-966-2000 or 800-549-6741
Mailing address:
Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency
P.O. Box 99
Mariposa, CA 95338
Merced County Human Services Agency
Locations:
| Merced | Atwater | Los Banos |
| 2115 Wardrobe Ave. | 1920 Customer Care Way | 947 W. Pacheco Blvd., Ste. C |
| Merced, CA 95341 | Atwater, CA 95301 | Los Banos, CA 93635 |
Phone number: 855-421-6770 (TTY: Dial 711)
Mailing address:
Merced County Human Services Agency
P.O. Box 112
Merced, CA 95341
Monterey County Department of Social Services
Locations:
| Salinas | Seaside | King City |
| 1000 S. Main St., Ste. 216 | 1281 Broadway Ave. | 116 Broadway St. |
| Salinas, CA 93901 | Seaside, CA 93955 | King City, CA 93930 |
Phone number: 877-410-8823 (TTY: Dial 711)
Mailing address:
Monterey County Department of Social Services
1488 Schilling Pl
Salinas, CA 93901
San Benito County Health and Human Services, Public Assistance
Location:
| Hollister |
| 1111 San Felipe Road, Suite 206 |
| Hollister, CA 95023 |
Phone number: 831-636-4180 (TTY: Dial 831-634-4969)
Mailing address: Use the location address above.
Santa Cruz County Human Services Department
Locations:
| Santa Cruz | Watsonville |
| 1020 Emeline Ave., Building B | 500 Westridge Drive |
| Santa Cruz, CA 95060 | Watsonville, CA 95076 |
Phone number: 888-421-8080 (TTY: Dial 711)
Mailing address: Use either the Santa Cruz or Watsonville address above.
If you do not renew your Medi-Cal, you will lose your Medi-Cal health coverage. You can still complete your renewal paperwork and submit to your enrollment agency to have your coverage reinstated. If you are late to renew your Medi-Cal, your coverage may change because of the new eligibility requirements. For example, you may only be able to get care for pregnancy or emergencies. Contact your county’s Medi-Cal office for help.
Help from the State
- California Department of Social Services: For help with immigration legal services, visit the CDSS website or call 916-651-8017.
- State Bar of California: To find legal help, visit the State Bar of California website or call 415-538-2000.
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): If you are a DACA recipient, you can visit the California Immigrant Guide or call 800-807-6755 for help.
- Judicial Branch of California: Access the immigration resource guide to find legal help, resources for parents and more.
- Keep Your Benefits: Get the facts about how your immigration status may change your benefits. Visit the Keep Your Benefits website.
- California Department of Health Care Services: Find answers to your questions about Medi-Cal and how immigration status may impact Medi-Cal eligibility. Visit the Department of Health Care Services website.
Help from the County
- Mariposa County
Find out how to get cash assistance.
- Merced County
Find out how to get cash assistance
- Monterey County
Know your rights
- San Benito County
See Immigration & Citizenship Resources
- Santa Cruz County
Find Immigration Resources
Make sure to renew your Medi-Cal on time!
As a TotalCare member, it’s important for you to maintain your Medi-Cal coverage. If you forget to renew or you lose Medi-Cal for any reason, you may be disenrolled from the TotalCare plan.
If you lose your Medi-Cal coverage, you enter a 3-month grace period. We will send you a letter letting you know that you are at risk of losing your TotalCare plan coverage and give you more details on the grace period.
If you do not renew on time, your TotalCare coverage will end after the grace period. You will then be back on Original Medicare. If you get your Medi-Cal back later on, you can sign up for TotalCare again.
County Medi-Cal Offices
- Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency
Phone: 209-966-2000 or 800-266-3609. - Merced County Department of Human Services
Phone: 209-385-3000 or 855-421-6770. - Monterey County Department of Social Services
Phone: 877-410-8823. - San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Assistance
Phone: 831-636-4180 - County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department
Phone: 888-421-8080
Care Options at Home
Telehealth
- Your primary doctor: Call your doctor to ask if they offer phone or video visits (called telehealth). You can find their phone number on your Alliance member ID card.
- Rocket Doctor: Call 844-996-3763 or book online. You can talk to a doctor on your phone or on your computer.
- Zócalo Health: Call 213-855-3465 or book online. You can talk to a doctor or promotora de salud on your phone or on your computer.
Nurse Advice Line
Call 844-971-8907 (TTY: Dial 711) any time, day or night. A nurse can answer your health questions, help you decide if you need care right away, and tell you what to do next.
