A healthcare professional discusses information on a tablet with an elderly patient in a bright, modern office.

Learn About Medi-Cal Program Changes

New federal and state laws have changed the rules on who qualifies for Medi-Cal.

Affected members will be told by mail, text or email. Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important notices. Know your renewal date so you can take action if you don’t receive notices.

Medi-Cal Changes

Good news — most Medi-Cal members won’t see any changes

You can still:

See your doctor or go to the hospital.
Get emergency help.
Get your medicine.
Get support for mental health or addiction.
Have checkups and vaccines to stay healthy.
Get long-term care if you need it.
Get rides to your appointments if you need them.
See a dentist.
Get eye exams and glasses.

Older Adults and People With Disabilities

Asset Limits — Effective January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, when you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal, we will look at what you own. This is called an asset check. Assets are things you own that have value.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

You may be affected if you:

Are age 65 and older and meet the household income limit for Medi-Cal.
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.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

The most you can own (asset limit) is $130,000 for one person.
You can add $65,000 for every extra person in your family. The maximum is 10 people.
Assets that count include:
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- More than one house or vehicle
Assets that don’t count include:
- The home you live in
- One vehicle
- Household items
- Some savings, like retirement accounts
If you have Medi-Cal that requires an asset test, we look at what you own every year when you renew.
The income rules for Medi-Cal have not changed.

See the Help Center for more information.

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Adult Immigrants

Enrollment Freeze — Effective January 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status. 

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you are subject to the Adult Expansion Enrollment Freeze.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can stay covered no matter your immigration status.
To keep your Medi-Cal, you must:
- Fill out your renewal form as required
- Meet Medi-Cal eligibility rules (like income and living in California)
Use your benefits and renew on time. If you don’t, your Medi-Cal could end.
If your Medi-Cal ends, you will have a three-month grace period from the last date of eligibility provided on your Notice of Action, to re-enroll into full scope Medi-Cal.

If you do not re-enroll by the end of the three-month grace period, you must reapply for Medi-Cal. You will be eligible only for restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which covers:

Emergency care
Pregnancy-related care
Nursing home care

Who can still get full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status:

Children (ages 0–18)
Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Pregnant people through the whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends

Dental Coverage — Effective July 1, 2026

Starting July 1, 2026, some Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services as part of their Medi-Cal coverage. Please see these Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you are subject to changes to Dental Coverage.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

You can still get care for emergency dental needs, including: 
- Serious tooth pain
- Infections
- Tooth extractions

Who will still get full-scope dental services:

Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Pregnant people through the whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends

Immigration Status Changes — Effective October 1, 2026

Starting October 1, 2026, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses (your legal standing in the U.S. based on how and why you came here).

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

You may be affected if you get Medi-Cal and are:

A refugee or asylee — someone who left their home country for safety and doesn’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

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Details on how this policy will be implemented in California will be available soon.

Monthly Premiums — Effective July 1, 2027

Starting July 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will need to pay a small monthly fee (called a premium) to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you must pay Monthly Premiums.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

If this change applies to you, you will need to pay a small fee each month to keep your full-scope Medi-Cal.
If you don’t pay, your Medi-Cal will change. You will only get restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which covers:
- Emergency care
- Pregnancy-related care
- Nursing home care

Who will not have to pay a premium:

Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Pregnant people through the whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends

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Adults (Ages 19–64)

Work Rules — Effective January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, some adults will need to work, volunteer or go to school to keep their Medi-Cal. If this applies to you, the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) or Medi-Cal will send you a letter. 

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Medi-Cal members and people applying for Medi-Cal who are:

Adults (ages 19–64)
Eligible for Medi-Cal because of the Affordable Care Act expansions
Not listed on any of the exemptions below

EXEMPTIONS:

These new work or volunteer rules do not apply to:

Children (ages 0–18)
Older adults (65 and older)
Pregnant people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome
Parents with 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 past 90 days
People on Medicare Part A or Part B
American Indians or Alaska Natives
Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday

SSA or Medi-Cal will send you a letter to let you know if you must comply with work requirements, or if other information is needed from you to demonstrate that you meet one of these exemptions.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Members must do one or more of the following:
- Work at a job and get paid.
  - Earn at least $580 a month from working.
  - Be a seasonal worker (someone who only works during certain times of the year) and make an average of $580 a month over the past six months.
- Be in a job training program (that helps you learn skills to get a job) for at least 80 hours per month.
- Volunteer or do community service for at least 80 hours per month. This should be organized and something you can prove you did with a letter or form.
- Go to school at least half-time. This usually means taking two or three classes or about six to eight credits each semester.
- Do a mix of the things listed above for a total of at least 80 hours per month, or at least $580 a month.
If you are required to work or volunteer under these new rules and do not meet the rules, you could lose your Medi-Cal.
When you get a letter from SSA or Medi-Cal, open it right away and respond quickly to show how you are meeting the work rules.
You will get more information before these rules starts, including ways to help you meet the rules.

Six-Month Eligibility Checks — Effective January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will have their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Adults (ages 19–64)

EXEMPTIONS:

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 people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome
American Indians or Alaska Natives
Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

You may need to renew your Medi-Cal every six months.
Missing deadlines could cause loss of coverage.
If you are exempt, you may still need to renew your Medi-Cal once a year.

Less Time to Get Help Paying Old Medical Bills — Effective January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, Medi-Cal will pay for fewer months of past medical bills from before you applied.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Adults (ages 19–64) without children (ages 0–18)

If this applies to you, SSA or Medi-Cal will send you a letter.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Adults without children: Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills
All others: Medi-Cal will pay for two months of past bills

Copayments — Effective October 1, 2028

Starting October 1, 2028, some adults may have to pay a small fee (called a copayment) for certain Medi-Cal services.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Adults (ages 19–64)
People who are not pregnant (pregnancy coverage lasts through your whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends)
People not on Medicare
People who make more than $15,560 a year

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

You might have to pay a small fee for some health care, like seeing a specialist doctor (like a cardiologist or dermatologist) and getting certain treatments or tests.
You will not pay more than 5% of your household income in copayments each year.
There will not be copays for:
- Services at community health centers or rural health clinics
- Emergency care
- Regular checkups
- Prenatal care (care during pregnancy) and pediatric care (care for children)
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment

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STAY COVERED

Take Action to Keep Your Medi-Cal

Affected members will be told by mail, text or email.
Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important notices. Respond quickly to renewal packets or letters from SSA or Medi-Cal.
Know your renewal date so you can take action if you don’t receive notices.
Ask questions if you’re unsure.

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Enrollment Freeze — Effective January 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status. 

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you are subject to the Adult Expansion Enrollment Freeze.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can stay covered no matter your immigration status.
To keep your Medi-Cal, you must:
- Fill out your renewal form as required
- Meet Medi-Cal eligibility rules (like income and living in California)
Use your benefits and renew on time. If you don’t, your Medi-Cal could end.
If your Medi-Cal ends, you will have a three-month grace period from the last date of eligibility provided on your Notice of Action, to re-enroll into full scope Medi-Cal.

If you do not re-enroll by the end of the three-month grace period, you must reapply for Medi-Cal. You will be eligible only for restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which covers:

Emergency care
Pregnancy-related care
Nursing home care

Who can still get full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status:

Children (ages 0–18)
Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Pregnant people through the whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends

Dental Coverage — Effective July 1, 2026

Starting July 1, 2026, some Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services as part of their Medi-Cal coverage. Please see these Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you are subject to changes to Dental Coverage.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

You can still get care for emergency dental needs, including: 
- Serious tooth pain
- Infections
- Tooth extractions

Who will still get full-scope dental services:

Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Pregnant people through the whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends

Immigration Status Changes — Effective October 1, 2026

Starting October 1, 2026, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses (your legal standing in the U.S. based on how and why you came here).

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

You may be affected if you get Medi-Cal and are:

A refugee or asylee — someone who left their home country for safety and doesn’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

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Details on how this policy will be implemented in California will be available soon.

Monthly Premiums — Effective July 1, 2027

Starting July 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will need to pay a small monthly fee (called a premium) to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you must pay Monthly Premiums.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

If this change applies to you, you will need to pay a small fee each month to keep your full-scope Medi-Cal.
If you don’t pay, your Medi-Cal will change. You will only get restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which covers:
- Emergency care
- Pregnancy-related care
- Nursing home care

Who will not have to pay a premium:

Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Pregnant people through the whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends

Work Rules — Effective January 1, 2027

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Medi-Cal members and people applying for Medi-Cal who are:

Adults (ages 19–64)
Eligible for Medi-Cal because of the Affordable Care Act expansions
Not listed on any of the exemptions below

EXEMPTIONS:

These new work or volunteer rules do not apply to:

Children (ages 0–18)
Older adults (65 and older)
Pregnant people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome
Parents with 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 past 90 days
People on Medicare Part A or Part B
American Indians or Alaska Natives
Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday

SSA or Medi-Cal will send you a letter to let you know if you must comply with work requirements, or if other information is needed from you to demonstrate that you meet one of these exemptions.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Members must do one or more of the following:
- Work at a job and get paid.
  - Earn at least $580 a month from working.
  - Be a seasonal worker (someone who only works during certain times of the year) and make an average of $580 a month over the past six months.
- Be in a job training program (that helps you learn skills to get a job) for at least 80 hours per month.
- Volunteer or do community service for at least 80 hours per month. This should be organized and something you can prove you did with a letter or form.
- Go to school at least half-time. This usually means taking two or three classes or about six to eight credits each semester.
- Do a mix of the things listed above for a total of at least 80 hours per month, or at least $580 a month.
If you are required to work or volunteer under these new rules and do not meet the rules, you could lose your Medi-Cal.
When you get a letter from SSA or Medi-Cal, open it right away and respond quickly to show how you are meeting the work rules.
You will get more information before these rules starts, including ways to help you meet the rules.

Six-Month Eligibility Checks — Effective January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will have their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Adults (ages 19–64)

EXEMPTIONS:

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 people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome
American Indians or Alaska Natives
Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

You may need to renew your Medi-Cal every six months.
Missing deadlines could cause loss of coverage.
If you are exempt, you may still need to renew your Medi-Cal once a year.

Less Time to Get Help Paying Old Medical Bills — Effective January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, Medi-Cal will pay for fewer months of past medical bills from before you applied.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Adults (ages 19–64) without children (ages 0–18)

If this applies to you, SSA or Medi-Cal will send you a letter.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

Adults without children: Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills
All others: Medi-Cal will pay for two months of past bills

Copayments — Effective October 1, 2028

Starting October 1, 2028, some adults may have to pay a small fee (called a copayment) for certain Medi-Cal services.

WHO THIS APPLIES TO:

Adults (ages 19–64)
People who are not pregnant (pregnancy coverage lasts through your whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends)
People not on Medicare
People who make more than $15,560 a year

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

You might have to pay a small fee for some health care, like seeing a specialist doctor (like a cardiologist or dermatologist) and getting certain treatments or tests.
You will not pay more than 5% of your household income in copayments each year.
There will not be copays for:
- Services at community health centers or rural health clinics
- Emergency care
- Regular checkups
- Prenatal care (care during pregnancy) and pediatric care (care for children)
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment