Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Do I Need to Report an Address Change to Medi-Cal? California Guide for 2026
Yes. If you move or your mailing address changes, you should report the change to Medi-Cal within 10 days.
Keeping your address current is important because your county uses your contact information to send renewal notices, requests for information, eligibility notices, and other important Medi-Cal mail.
Report your new address within 10 days. You can generally report the change through BenefitsCal or directly to your county Medi-Cal office.
Why Should You Update Your Address?
An outdated address can cause you to miss important Medi-Cal information. Updating your address helps make sure your county can contact you about your case.
- You may receive Medi-Cal renewal notices at your current address.
- You may receive requests for additional eligibility information.
- Your health plan options may change if you move to another county.
- Important Medi-Cal notices and other mail can reach you correctly.
- Keeping your information current can help prevent avoidable problems with your coverage.
How Long Do I Have to Report the Change?
California DHCS says Medi-Cal members should report changes such as an address change within 10 days.
Do not wait until your next annual renewal if you have already moved. Report your new address as soon as possible and within the required time period.
How to Update Your Medi-Cal Address
You have several ways to report an address change.
Option 1: BenefitsCal
If your Medi-Cal case is linked to your BenefitsCal account, you can use BenefitsCal to report changes and manage information related to your benefits.
Option 2: Contact Your County Medi-Cal Office
You can also report your address change directly to your county. DHCS allows changes to be reported in person, by phone, email, fax, or online.
Find Your County Medi-Cal Office
What Happens if You Move Within the Same County?
If you move to a new address but remain in the same county, report the new address to your county.
Your Medi-Cal case generally remains with the same county. However, you should still update your information so that notices and other important mail are sent to the correct address.
What if You Move to a Different California County?
If you permanently move from one California county to another, your Medi-Cal case can be transferred to your new county. This process is called an Inter-County Transfer (ICT).
You can report your new address to either your old county or your new county within 10 days of the move.
If you move to another county, the Medi-Cal managed care plans available to you may be different. Your old county health plan coverage generally ends at the end of the month, and you may need to enroll in a health plan available in your new county.
Do I Need to Apply for Medi-Cal Again After Moving?
If you move from one California county to another and remain eligible for Medi-Cal, you generally do not need to submit a completely new Medi-Cal application just because you moved.
Instead, your case is transferred through the Inter-County Transfer process. Your county may contact you if additional information is needed.
What if the Move Is Only Temporary?
A temporary stay in another California county does not necessarily mean your Medi-Cal case must be permanently transferred.
For example, DHCS notes that temporary moves may include a student attending college in another county or someone temporarily staying elsewhere to care for a sick relative.
Contact your county Medi-Cal office to explain the situation and make sure the appropriate address information is recorded.
Should I Also Tell My Medi-Cal Health Plan?
Your county Medi-Cal record should be updated first. It can also be helpful to make sure your Medi-Cal managed care plan has your current contact information.
If you move to another county, you may need to select or be enrolled in a different Medi-Cal health plan because available plans vary by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change My Address Online?
Yes. BenefitsCal allows users to report changes online when their benefits case is connected to their account.
Will Moving Cancel My Medi-Cal?
Moving to another California address does not by itself mean you lose Medi-Cal. If you move to another county, your case can be transferred to that county as long as you remain eligible.
Can My Medi-Cal Health Plan Change After I Move?
Yes. Medi-Cal managed care plans vary by county, so moving to another county can mean that you need to enroll in a different health plan.
What Other Changes Should I Report?
DHCS also asks members to report important changes such as income, household size, pregnancy, marriage or separation, other health coverage, and other circumstances that may affect Medi-Cal eligibility.
Official Resources
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.