Last Updated: August 29, 2026
2026 Medi-Cal Changes Explained: What California Residents Need to Know
California made several important changes to Medi-Cal in 2026. Some changes affect who can newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal, while others affect asset rules for certain Medi-Cal applicants and members.
There have also been changes to the timeline for Medi-Cal dental benefits. A dental benefit change that had originally been scheduled for 2026 has now been delayed until July 1, 2027.
Starting January 1, 2026, some adults can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status. People who already had qualifying full-scope Medi-Cal may generally keep their coverage if they continue to meet Medi-Cal requirements and renew on time. Asset limits also returned for certain Medi-Cal programs beginning January 1, 2026.
1. New Full-Scope Medi-Cal Enrollment Restrictions Began January 1, 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, some California adults age 19 and older can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status.
The change generally affects certain adults who do not have a qualifying immigration status for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal and who previously could receive full-scope coverage through California's state-funded adult expansions.
This does not mean that every immigrant adult lost Medi-Cal in 2026. The rule primarily changes eligibility for certain people who are trying to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal.
2. Many Current Members Can Keep Their Full-Scope Medi-Cal
If you were already enrolled in qualifying full-scope Medi-Cal before the new enrollment restriction took effect, you may continue your coverage as long as you remain eligible and complete your Medi-Cal renewal requirements on time.
DHCS advises current members to pay close attention to renewal notices and requests from their county Medi-Cal office.
To help avoid an unnecessary loss of coverage:
- Keep your address and contact information updated.
- Read all Medi-Cal letters and renewal notices.
- Return requested documents by the deadline.
- Complete your annual Medi-Cal renewal when required.
- Contact your county Medi-Cal office if you do not understand a notice.
If coverage ends, DHCS currently provides a limited three-month period in which some affected members may be able to restore their coverage without having to qualify under the new enrollment rules. After that period, a new application may result in only restricted-scope Medi-Cal for affected adults.
3. Who Can Still Apply for Full-Scope Medi-Cal Regardless of Immigration Status?
Certain groups may still qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status if they meet the other Medi-Cal eligibility requirements.
- Children under age 19
- Pregnant people during pregnancy and generally through one year after the pregnancy ends
- Certain former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Eligibility always depends on the individual's circumstances and applicable Medi-Cal rules, so people who are unsure should contact their county Medi-Cal office.
4. Restricted-Scope Medi-Cal Is Still Available for Some Adults
Adults who are affected by the new full-scope enrollment restriction may still qualify for restricted-scope Medi-Cal if they otherwise meet Medi-Cal eligibility requirements.
Restricted-scope Medi-Cal may cover certain services such as:
- Emergency medical services
- Pregnancy-related services
- Certain long-term care or nursing facility services when applicable
The exact services available depend on the person's eligibility category and circumstances.
5. Medi-Cal Asset Limits Returned January 1, 2026
Another major Medi-Cal change began on January 1, 2026. California again started considering assets when determining eligibility for certain Medi-Cal programs.
This asset test does not apply to every Medi-Cal applicant.
According to DHCS, the asset rules may apply to people who:
- Are age 65 or older
- Have a disability
- Live in a nursing home
- Are in certain families that do not qualify under federal tax-based income rules
Through June 30, 2027, the countable asset limit is $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional qualifying household member, up to the household-size rules established by Medi-Cal.
6. What Assets May Be Counted?
Medi-Cal does not count every item you own in the same way.
Examples of assets that may be counted include:
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- Second homes or other additional real estate
- Second vehicles
- Other financial resources that meet Medi-Cal's countable asset rules
Examples of assets that generally may not be counted include:
- The primary home where you live
- One primary vehicle
- Household furniture and personal items
- Certain retirement funds when applicable requirements are met
Asset rules can be complicated, especially for married couples, registered domestic partners, nursing-home residents, or people receiving long-term care. Some people may qualify for higher protected amounts under special rules such as Spousal Impoverishment.
7. The Asset Limit Changes Again in 2027
The current higher asset limit is temporary.
According to DHCS, starting July 1, 2027, the asset limits are scheduled to become:
- $21,000 for one person
- $31,000 for two people
- Plus $1,550 for each additional qualifying household member, subject to Medi-Cal household-size rules
Because this is a future change, members should check DHCS information again as July 2027 approaches.
8. Medi-Cal Dental Changes Were Delayed Until July 1, 2027
Some earlier information about 2026 Medi-Cal changes stated that regular dental benefits would end for certain adult members beginning July 1, 2026.
That implementation date has changed.
The Medi-Cal dental benefit change has been delayed until July 1, 2027.
Beginning July 1, 2027, Medi-Cal is scheduled to stop covering routine dental services for certain adults age 19 and older who do not qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal, except for emergency dental services.
Affected members who applied before January 1, 2026 may generally continue using their current full dental benefits through June 30, 2027, if they remain eligible.
9. Who Is Not Expected to Lose Full Dental Benefits Under This Change?
According to DHCS, the July 2027 dental change does not apply in the same way to the following groups:
- Children under age 19
- Pregnant people and people within one year after pregnancy
- Certain foster youth and former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
These groups may continue to receive full Medi-Cal dental benefits if they otherwise remain eligible.
10. Emergency Dental Services Will Still Be Available
For affected adults whose routine dental coverage changes in July 2027, Medi-Cal is expected to continue covering emergency dental services.
Examples may include treatment for severe dental pain, infection, or certain emergency tooth extractions when medically necessary.
Members should confirm their exact dental eligibility before receiving non-emergency dental treatment.
11. Renewal Is More Important Than Ever
For many current Medi-Cal members affected by the 2026 immigration-related enrollment changes, keeping existing coverage may depend on maintaining eligibility and completing renewals properly.
Make sure you:
- Open letters from Medi-Cal or your county.
- Respond to requests for information.
- Report required changes.
- Renew by the stated deadline.
- Ask the county for help if you are unsure what documentation is required.
Losing existing coverage because of an incomplete renewal can have greater consequences for people who are now subject to the full-scope enrollment restriction.
12. Key Takeaway
The 2026 Medi-Cal changes do not affect everyone in the same way.
The most important changes to understand are:
- Some adults can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status.
- Many people who already had eligible full-scope Medi-Cal can keep their coverage if they remain eligible and renew on time.
- Children under 19, pregnant people, and certain former foster youth continue to have special protections.
- Asset limits returned for certain Medi-Cal eligibility categories beginning January 1, 2026.
- The current asset limit is $130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each additional qualifying household member through June 30, 2027.
- The planned dental benefit change for certain adults was delayed until July 1, 2027.
Because Medi-Cal rules continue to change, always verify eligibility information with DHCS or your county Medi-Cal office before making health coverage decisions.
Official Sources & Resources
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Changes
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQs
- California DHCS – Immigration Status and Changes to Medi-Cal Eligibility
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Asset Limit FAQs
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes FAQs
Disclaimer: California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), a county Medi-Cal office, or any other government agency.
Medi-Cal eligibility rules, immigration-related eligibility categories, asset limits, benefits, and implementation dates may change. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or eligibility advice. Always verify your individual situation with DHCS or your local county Medi-Cal office.