Last Updated: September 1, 2026
How to Renew Medi-Cal in California: 2026 Renewal Guide
If you already have Medi-Cal, keeping your coverage is just as important as applying for it.
Medi-Cal members generally have their eligibility reviewed at least once a year. In many cases, your county may be able to renew your coverage automatically using information it already has. In other cases, you may receive a renewal form asking you to confirm or update your information.
This guide explains how the Medi-Cal renewal process works in California in 2026, how to complete a renewal, what information you may need, what happens if you miss the deadline, and what changes you should report during the year.
You may not have to complete a renewal form every year. Your county will first review available information. If it can confirm that you still qualify, your Medi-Cal may be renewed automatically. If more information is needed, you will receive a renewal form and should return it by the deadline.
1. How Often Do I Need to Renew Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal eligibility is generally reviewed at least once each year.
Your renewal month is not necessarily the same as someone else's. Each Medi-Cal household can have a different renewal date.
Your county may send you a notice by mail telling you when your renewal is due. You may also be able to check your renewal information through your BenefitsCal account.
Do not ignore letters from your county Medi-Cal office. A renewal notice may require action by a specific deadline.
2. Will My Medi-Cal Renew Automatically?
Possibly.
Before asking you to complete a renewal form, your county generally reviews information it already has and may check available government data sources.
If the county can confirm that you continue to qualify, your Medi-Cal can be renewed without requiring you to complete a renewal form.
If this happens, you should receive a notice telling you that your coverage has been renewed.
If your county already has enough current information to confirm your eligibility, you may not have to submit a renewal form.
3. What If Medi-Cal Needs More Information?
If your county cannot complete the renewal using the information already available, it will ask you for more information.
DHCS currently tells members to look for a renewal form sent in a bright yellow envelope.
The form may already contain some information about your household. Review it carefully and correct anything that is no longer accurate.
You may also be asked to provide updated information or proof related to your circumstances.
4. What Information May Be Needed for Renewal?
The exact information required depends on your household and the Medi-Cal eligibility category that applies to you.
You may be asked to confirm or update information such as:
- Household members
- Home or mailing address
- Income
- Employment
- Tax filing information
- Pregnancy
- Marriage or separation
- Other health insurance
- Information related to disability or other eligibility categories, when applicable
Only submit documents that are requested or needed to verify your current eligibility.
5. How Can I Renew Medi-Cal?
California provides several ways to complete a Medi-Cal renewal.
Online
For many members, the easiest option is to use BenefitsCal.
You can log in to your account to manage your case, review information, and complete a Medi-Cal renewal when available.
By Mail
Complete the renewal form you received and mail it according to the instructions on the form.
If you return a paper renewal form, make sure it is signed where required.
By Phone
You may be able to complete your renewal by contacting your county Medi-Cal office.
In Person
You can also visit your local county Medi-Cal office for help with your renewal.
Find Your County Medi-Cal Office
6. When Should I Submit My Renewal?
If you receive a renewal form, look for the due date shown on your notice and submit the required information before that deadline.
Submitting your information early can give the county more time to review your case and contact you if something is missing.
If you receive a renewal packet or request for information, respond as soon as possible.
7. What Happens After I Submit My Renewal?
Your county will review the information you submitted and determine whether you remain eligible for Medi-Cal.
You will receive a notice explaining the result.
If you continue to qualify, your Medi-Cal coverage will be renewed.
If additional information is still needed, the county may contact you or send another notice.
If the county determines that you no longer qualify, it will send a Notice of Action explaining when your coverage will end and why.
8. Can I Still See My Doctor While My Renewal Is Being Reviewed?
Generally, yes, if your Medi-Cal coverage is still active.
DHCS states that members may continue going to medical, dental, or vision appointments while the county is reviewing a timely renewal.
If the county later determines that you are no longer eligible, you should receive a Notice of Action showing when your Medi-Cal coverage will end.
9. What Happens If I Miss the Medi-Cal Renewal Deadline?
Missing the renewal deadline can cause your Medi-Cal coverage to end, but you should not assume that you must immediately start a completely new application.
If your Medi-Cal ended because you did not submit the renewal form or required information, California generally provides a 90-day cure period.
During this period, you can provide the missing information to your county without submitting a new Medi-Cal application.
If you submit the required information within the 90-day period and you are still eligible, the county may restore your Medi-Cal coverage.
Contact your county Medi-Cal office as soon as possible and ask what information is still needed to complete your renewal.
If more than 90 days have passed, contact your county. You may need to submit a new Medi-Cal application depending on your circumstances.
10. What If I Think Medi-Cal Ended My Coverage by Mistake?
Start by contacting your county Medi-Cal office and asking them to review your case.
Your Notice of Action should explain why your coverage ended and provide information about your rights.
If you disagree with the decision, you may also have the right to request a State Hearing.
The timing of a hearing request can affect whether benefits continue while the issue is being reviewed, so carefully read the instructions and deadlines on your notice.
11. What If My Income Is Too High for Medi-Cal?
If your income or household circumstances have changed and you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal, you may have other health coverage options.
For example, you may qualify for a health plan and financial assistance through Covered California.
Do not cancel your Medi-Cal simply because you think your income is too high. Report your current information and allow the county to make the official eligibility determination.
12. Do I Need to Report Changes Before My Annual Renewal?
Yes. You should not always wait until your annual renewal to report important changes in your household circumstances.
Changes may include:
- A new home or mailing address
- A new phone number
- A change in income or employment
- Marriage or divorce
- A birth or other household change
- Getting other health insurance
Update your address as soon as possible so you do not miss important Medi-Cal renewal notices from your county.
13. Can 2026 Medi-Cal Changes Affect My Renewal?
They can.
Some Medi-Cal eligibility rules changed in 2026, so you should not assume that the same rules apply to every member.
Eligibility can depend on factors such as age, income, household size, pregnancy, disability, Medicare or SSI status, immigration status, and the Medi-Cal program that applies to you.
Because individual circumstances differ, it is best to report accurate information and allow your county to make the official eligibility determination.
14. How to Avoid Missing Your Medi-Cal Renewal
- Make sure your county has your current address and phone number.
- Open and read mail related to Medi-Cal.
- Watch for a yellow renewal envelope.
- Keep your BenefitsCal contact and case information current.
- Respond quickly if the county asks for additional information.
- Keep copies of renewal forms and supporting documents you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Reapply for Medi-Cal Every Year?
No. Existing Medi-Cal members generally go through an annual renewal process. If the county can verify your eligibility using information it already has, your coverage may be renewed automatically.
What If I Never Receive a Renewal Form?
Your Medi-Cal may have been renewed automatically, but it is also possible that your county does not have your current mailing address. Check BenefitsCal or contact your county Medi-Cal office to confirm your renewal status.
If I Submit My Renewal Late, Do I Have to Apply Again?
Not necessarily. If your coverage ended because renewal information was not submitted, a 90-day cure period may allow you to provide the missing information without filing a completely new application.
Can I Renew Medi-Cal Through BenefitsCal?
In many cases, yes. BenefitsCal allows members to manage their case and submit renewal information online when the renewal option is available.
Can I Keep Using Medi-Cal While My Renewal Is Pending?
If your Medi-Cal coverage is still active, you can generally continue using your benefits while the county reviews a timely renewal. Always check any Notice of Action you receive for your official coverage status.
Official Medi-Cal Resources
For final confirmation of Medi-Cal renewal rules or your individual eligibility status, use official California Department of Health Care Services resources, BenefitsCal, or your county Medi-Cal office.
California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not a government agency or affiliated with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), county social services agencies, or any other government agency. This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, tax, or financial advice. Medi-Cal rules and individual eligibility can vary and may change. For final eligibility decisions and the most current information, contact DHCS, BenefitsCal, or your county Medi-Cal office.