Medi-Cal Program Changes (2026-2027)
What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know

A few simple actions today can help you stay covered tomorrow.

Stay informed about the upcoming Medi Cal changes so you can protect your coverage and your health. Take a moment to review the updates, confirm your contact information and complete any renewal steps on time.

For most Medi-Cal members, eligibility and benefits will stay the same. If you’re enrolled in Medi-Cal, and your contact information has changed in the past two years, you must update your county office to stay enrolled.

Older Adults & People with Disabilities

Medi-Cal will once again consider assets (what you own) when reviewing eligibility for older adults and people with disabilities as part of the application and renewal process.

Enrollment Freeze for Undocumented Members 19+

Starting January 1, 2026, adults age 19 and older who are undocumented and do not have satisfactory immigration status can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. If you are already enrolled and maintain your renewal, you will stay covered regardless of immigration status, and if coverage stops due to a late renewal or missing paperwork, you have 90 days to fix it and remain enrolled. Income-eligible children (ages 0–18) and pregnant people can still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, including coverage for pregnancy and one year after.

Dental Coverage

Starting July 1, 2026, dental benefits will no longer be provided to adult Medi-Cal members who do not have satisfactory immigration status.

Montly Premiums

Starting July 1, 2027, certain adult Medi-Cal members who do not have a satisfactory immigration status must pay $30 per month to keep full scope Medi-Cal.

How to Stay Covered

• Keep your contact information updated so you don’t miss important notices.

• Watch your mail and respond to renewal packets or letters from your health plan or local county office.

• Know your renewal date so you can go online or work with your local county Medi-Cal office to renew your Medi-Cal if you do not receive notifications.

• Keep going to the doctor and other medical appointments.

• Visit DHCS website and follow our social media channels for updates.

SEE MORE: dhcs.ca.gov