Medi-Cal Changes

Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be eligible to start full-scope Medi-Cal based on immigration status.

If you already have Medi-Cal, you can keep your coverage as long as you renew on time and continue to meet the income requirements. Children under 19 and pregnant individuals will still qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal.

If your Medi-Cal coverage ends, you have 90 days to renew or fix any issues. After that, you may only qualify for restricted Medi-Cal, which covers emergency services, pregnancy-related care, and long-term care in a nursing facility.

Starting July 1 2026, adults 19 or older who do not have a satisfactory immigration status will no longer receive full dental benefits through Medi-Cal. They will still be covered for urgent dental care (serious pain, infection, extractions). Pregnant individuals will continue to get full dental benefits during pregnancy and for one year after.

Starting July 1, 2027, certain adults aged 19 to 59 who have an unsatisfactory immigration status will be required to pay a $30 monthly premium to maintain full-scope Medi-Cal. If they fail to pay, their coverage will be changed to restricted Medi-Cal (i.e., emergency and pregnancy-related services only).

Starting January 1, 2027, some adults must work, volunteer, study, or do job training to keep Medi-Cal.

The state will mail details and explain who is exempt, like people who are pregnant, disabled, have serious health needs, care for a child under 13, are 65+, have Medicare, are American Indian/Alaska Native, former foster youth up to 26, or recently released from jail or prison.

Open and respond to Medi-Cal mail quickly to keep your coverage.

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

This applies to people ages 19–64 without children under 19.

Watch your mail! Medi-Cal will send a letter.

Renew every six months and return forms on time to keep your coverage.

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

Most adults ages 19–64 without children under 19 (and some higher-income parents) can get up to 1 month of past bills paid.

Others can get up to 2 months. Apply for Medi-Cal as soon as possible after a medical visit to avoid losing coverage for past bills.

Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Medi-Cal ages 19–64 who are not pregnant, not on Medicare, and make over $15,560 a year may pay small copays for certain services. You won’t pay more than 5% of your income in a year, and there are no copays for care at community health centers or rural clinics, emergency care, checkups, prenatal or child care, or mental health and substance use treatment.

Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will look at assets again when you apply or renew. The asset limit is $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each extra person (up to 10 people). Some things do not count, like the home you live in, one vehicle, household items, and some retirement savings. Income rules are not changing.

By mail, text, or email from your county or health plan. Keep your contact info up to date.

Open your mail and renew on time. Return all forms. If your coverage ends, you often have 90 days to fix it.

Tell your county Medi-Cal office right away so you don’t miss renewal letters.

Renewal month varies. Log in to your account or call your county office to check your renewal date.

Yes. Keep your appointments and prescriptions. Ask about telehealth if that’s easier for you.

Check TrueCare’s site and social channels for reminders and news, then confirm details with your county if needed.