Medi-Cal Coverage Changes

Over the next several years, the Federal Government and the State of California will make a number of changes to Medi-Cal. These changes will impact many Medi-Cal members, including certain undocumented adults. Here's what's changing:

Enrollment Freeze

Effective January 1, 2026, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will freeze new enrollments for certain adults who are undocumented and do not have a satisfactory immigration status for federal full scope Medi-Cal. This group will no longer be able to newly enroll in full
scope Medi-Cal, even if they qualified before under state-funded programs.

Who is affected?

This enrollment freeze applies to adults aged 19 or older who:

• Are undocumented or have an unsatisfactory immigration status
• Are not pregnant
• Previously qualified for full scope Medi-Cal through the state-funded Adult Expansions

If you or a loved one meet these criteria but are already enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal, you will remain eligible ONLY if you complete your annual renewal on time. If coverage is lost due to late or incomplete renewal paperwork, affected individuals will generally not be able to re-enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. They would only remain eligible for emergency or pregnancy-related services.

Income-eligible children (0-18) and pregnant people can enroll in full scope Medi-Cal, no matter their immigration status. Coverage is for the entire pregnancy and one year after the pregnancy ends.

How do you stay covered?

• Make sure you contact information is updated by clicking here or visiting our local Medi-Cal office
• Know your renewal date and check your mail regularly for renewal notices. Always open mail from Medi-Cal or your county Medi-Cal office.
• Keep going to the doctor regularly
• Download the FREE Medi-Cal Program Changes Guide or visit the DHCS Medi-Cal changes page

Asset Limits

Also effective January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will factor in your assets (what you own) when reviewing Medi-Cal eligibility for enrollment and renewals.

Who is affected?

The return of asset limits applies to applicants whose eligibility is based on:

• Age (65+)
• Physical, mental, or developmental disability
• Long-term care needs

What are the asset limits?

• The asset limit is $130,000 for one person
• Each additional household member adds $65,000 to the asset limit, up to 10 members per household
• Assets include bank accounts, cash, and anything over one home and one vehicle
• Assets that don't count toward the asset limit include the home you live in, one vehicle, household items, and certain types of savings accounts like retirement accounts
• Income rules are not changing

If you are already a Medi-Cal member, your assets will be reviewed during your annual renewal.

Don't miss any important changes — Download and print your FREE Medi-Cal Program Changes Guide!