Last Updated: October 17, 2026
California introduced several important changes to Medi-Cal in 2026. Additional changes are scheduled for 2027.
Some changes affect who can newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal based on immigration status. Other changes affect asset limits, dental benefits, how certain members receive medical care, and monthly premiums for certain beneficiaries.
Understanding these changes can help California residents protect their coverage, prepare for upcoming transitions, and avoid unnecessary interruptions in medical care.
Beginning January 1, 2026, certain adults became ineligible to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status. Many existing members can continue their coverage if they remain eligible and complete required renewals.
Asset limits returned for certain Medi-Cal eligibility categories in January 2026. Additional changes involving immigration classifications, Fee-for-Service medical care, dental benefits, and monthly premiums are being implemented or are scheduled for 2027.
Not every Medi-Cal member is affected by every change.
1. New Full-Scope Medi-Cal Enrollment Restrictions Began January 1, 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, certain California adults age 19 and older can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status.
This change generally affects certain adults who do not meet the immigration requirements for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal and who previously qualified through California's state-funded adult expansions.
This does not mean that every immigrant adult lost Medi-Cal coverage in 2026. The restriction primarily affects certain adults applying for new full-scope coverage.
2. Many Current Members Can Keep Their Full-Scope Medi-Cal
People who already had qualifying full-scope Medi-Cal before the new enrollment restriction took effect may generally continue receiving their coverage if they remain eligible and meet renewal requirements.
Existing members should pay close attention to renewal notices and requests from their county Medi-Cal office.
To help prevent 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 Medi-Cal renewal when required.
- Contact your county if you do not understand a notice.
DHCS describes a limited three-month period during which some affected members whose coverage ended may be able to restore coverage without being subject to the new enrollment restriction. Do not assume this protection applies in every case. Contact your county promptly if your coverage ends.
3. Who Can Still Qualify for Full-Scope Medi-Cal Regardless of Immigration Status?
Certain groups may continue qualifying for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status if they meet the other applicable eligibility requirements.
- Children under age 19
- Pregnant individuals during pregnancy and generally for one year after pregnancy ends
- Certain former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
Different federal and state rules may apply to other groups. Eligibility depends on the person's specific immigration category, age, circumstances, and Medi-Cal program.
Anyone uncertain about their eligibility should contact their county Medi-Cal office.
4. Restricted-Scope Medi-Cal Is Still Available for Some Adults
Certain adults affected by the full-scope enrollment restriction may still qualify for restricted-scope Medi-Cal if they meet other eligibility requirements.
Depending on their circumstances, restricted-scope Medi-Cal may cover:
- Emergency medical services
- Certain pregnancy-related services
- Certain nursing facility or long-term care services, when applicable
Restricted-scope coverage is not equivalent to full-scope Medi-Cal. The services available depend on the person's eligibility category and program rules.
5. Medi-Cal Asset Limits Returned January 1, 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, California again started considering assets when determining eligibility for certain Medi-Cal programs.
The asset test does not apply to every Medi-Cal applicant. According to DHCS, it may apply to people who:
- Are age 65 or older
- Have a disability
- Live in a nursing home
- Are in certain eligibility categories that do not use federal tax-based income rules
Through June 30, 2027, the countable asset limit is generally:
$130,000 for one person
Add $65,000 for each additional qualifying household member, up to the applicable 10-person limit.
Some married couples and registered domestic partners may qualify for higher protected amounts under special rules such as Spousal Impoverishment.
6. What Assets May Be Counted?
Medi-Cal does not count every item you own when determining eligibility.
Examples of assets that may be counted include:
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- Second homes or other additional real estate
- Additional vehicles
- Other financial resources subject to Medi-Cal asset rules
Examples of assets that generally may be excluded include:
- The primary home where you live
- One primary vehicle
- Household furniture and personal belongings
- Certain retirement funds when applicable requirements are met
Asset rules can be complicated for married couples, people receiving long-term care, and applicants with special financial circumstances. Do not assume an asset is countable or exempt without checking the applicable Medi-Cal rules.
7. Asset Limits Are Scheduled to Change Again in July 2027
The higher asset limits in effect during 2026 are temporary under the current schedule.
Starting July 1, 2027, the general asset limits are scheduled to become:
- $21,000 for one person
- $31,000 for two people
- An additional $1,550 for each additional qualifying household member, subject to the applicable household-size rules
Because these are future limits, members should verify the latest DHCS guidance before July 2027.
Some special asset protections may still apply to married couples and other eligible groups.
8. Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes Were Delayed Until July 1, 2027
Earlier information about 2026 Medi-Cal changes indicated that certain adult members would lose regular dental benefits beginning July 1, 2026.
DHCS subsequently delayed that implementation date.
The affected Medi-Cal dental benefit change is scheduled to begin July 1, 2027.
Under this change, certain adults age 19 and older who do not qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal will no longer receive routine dental benefits through Medi-Cal, except for covered emergency dental services.
Affected members who applied before January 1, 2026 may generally continue using their full dental benefits through June 30, 2027, if they remain eligible.
9. Who Is Not Expected to Lose Full Dental Benefits?
According to DHCS, the scheduled dental change does not apply in the same way to certain protected groups.
- Children under age 19
- Pregnant individuals during pregnancy and generally for one year afterward
- Certain foster youth and former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
These groups may continue receiving full Medi-Cal dental benefits if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
10. Emergency Dental Services Will Still Be Available
For affected adults whose regular dental coverage changes in July 2027, Medi-Cal is expected to continue covering qualifying emergency dental services.
Examples may include medically necessary treatment for:
- Severe dental pain
- Dental infections
- Certain emergency tooth extractions
Members should verify their dental coverage before receiving non-emergency services.
11. Renewal Is More Important Than Ever
For many current Medi-Cal members affected by immigration-related enrollment changes, maintaining coverage may depend on meeting eligibility requirements and completing renewals properly.
Make sure you:
- Open letters from Medi-Cal or your county office.
- Respond to requests for information.
- Report required changes.
- Renew by the stated deadline.
- Ask your county for help if you do not understand a notice.
For people subject to the new full-scope enrollment restrictions, losing existing coverage may have consequences beyond an ordinary interruption in benefits.
12. Immigration Status Classification Changes Beginning October 2026
Beginning October 1, 2026, new federal rules change how certain immigration statuses are classified for Medicaid funding purposes.
This may affect some Medi-Cal members who previously qualified for federally funded full-scope coverage.
Groups that may be affected include certain:
- Refugees and asylees
- Humanitarian parolees
- Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking with certain pending immigration cases
- Other individuals whose immigration category is affected by the federal changes
The impact depends on the individual's exact immigration category and whether other eligibility protections apply.
An immigration status classification change does not automatically mean that every affected member loses all Medi-Cal coverage. The funding source, covered benefits, and delivery system may change at different times.
Some affected members may continue receiving state-funded coverage under California rules. Additional changes scheduled for 2027 may affect the delivery of care or the cost of maintaining full-scope benefits.
Members should review official DHCS notices and consult their county Medi-Cal office if they are unsure how these rules apply to them.
13. Fee-for-Service Transition Beginning January 1, 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, certain Medi-Cal members affected by federal immigration-related requirements will move from a Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan to Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal.
According to DHCS, affected groups include certain undocumented members, lawful permanent residents who are subject to the five-year waiting period, and certain individuals covered under PRUCOL classifications.
The exact rules and exceptions depend on immigration status and other eligibility factors.
Moving to Fee-for-Service does not automatically mean that the member is losing Medi-Cal coverage. It primarily changes how medical services are arranged and paid for.
What Is Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service?
Under Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal, the state pays eligible providers directly for covered medical services instead of having a Managed Care Health Plan arrange most of the member's care.
Affected members may receive care from doctors, clinics, and hospitals that accept Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service.
Members do not automatically have to pay for covered care simply because they are moving to Fee-for-Service.
What Should Members Do Before January 2027?
- Review all notices from DHCS and the current Medi-Cal health plan.
- Check whether existing doctors accept Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service.
- Ask about scheduled specialist visits and ongoing treatments.
- Confirm how prescriptions and authorizations will be handled.
- Ask about any services that may change during the transition.
Certain managed care services, including Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, may not be available in the same form after the transition.
Members receiving ongoing medical treatment should contact their health plan or DHCS for transition assistance.
14. Monthly Premiums for Certain Members Beginning July 1, 2027
Starting July 1, 2027, certain Medi-Cal members will be required to pay a monthly premium to maintain full-scope Medi-Cal coverage under the scheduled policy changes.
This requirement is related to immigration status and other applicable Medi-Cal eligibility rules.
Not every Medi-Cal member will have to pay a premium.
Members who may be affected should check the official DHCS immigration status chart and review notices from their county.
Who May Be Exempt?
According to DHCS, certain protected groups are not subject to this premium requirement, including:
- Qualifying pregnant members during pregnancy and generally for one year after pregnancy
- Qualifying former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
- Other members who are not subject to the premium requirement under the applicable immigration and eligibility rules
If a premium requirement applies and payment is not made, full-scope coverage may change to restricted-scope coverage. Members should verify the amount, payment instructions, and applicable exemptions with DHCS before the policy takes effect.
Key Takeaways: What Medi-Cal Members Should Know
The 2026 and 2027 Medi-Cal changes do not affect everyone in the same way.
The most important points are:
- Some adults can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status.
- Many current members can keep coverage if they remain eligible and complete renewals.
- Certain children, pregnant members, and qualifying former foster youth have special protections.
- Asset limits returned for certain Medi-Cal eligibility categories in January 2026.
- The general asset limit remains $130,000 for one person through June 30, 2027.
- New lower asset limits are scheduled for July 1, 2027.
- Dental benefit changes for certain adults were delayed until July 1, 2027.
- Federal immigration status classification changes began in October 2026.
- Certain members are scheduled to move to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal in January 2027.
- Monthly premiums are scheduled to apply to certain members beginning July 2027.
Before assuming that your Medi-Cal coverage will end or change, identify which specific policy applies to your age, immigration category, current coverage, and eligibility circumstances.
Contact your county Medi-Cal office or DHCS if you receive a notice that you do not understand.
Official Sources and Resources
The information in this guide is based on published California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) guidance. Policies scheduled for future implementation may be updated.
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Changes
- DHCS – Immigration Status and Changes to Medi-Cal Eligibility
- DHCS – Medi-Cal Asset Limit FAQs
- DHCS – Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes
- DHCS – Dental Benefit Changes FAQs
- DHCS – Fee-for-Service Transition
- DHCS – Fee-for-Service Transition Member Letter
Disclaimer:
This website provides general information about California public benefit programs and is for informational purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency and does not provide legal, medical, or professional advice. Program rules, eligibility requirements, benefits, and procedures may change. For the most current information and guidance about your individual situation, please contact the appropriate government agency, county office, health plan, or program administrator.