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January 1, 2026: Medi-Cal enrollment freeze. Undocumented residents, those without “Satisfactory Immigration Status” and others who don’t qualify for federally funded Medi-Cal cannot enroll in Medi-Cal. If patients are already enrolled in Medi-Cal, they will stay covered regardless of immigration status if they complete their renewal forms. If patients’ coverage stops because of a late renewal or missing paperwork, they will have 90 days to fix it and stay enrolled. Income-eligible children (0-18), former foster youth under age 26, and pregnant women can still enroll at any time.
July 1, 2026: Restrictions to Medi-Cal Dental coverage. Undocumented residents, those without “Satisfactory Immigration Status” and others who don’t qualify for federally funded Medi-Cal will lose dental coverage even when they still have Medi-Cal. Emergency dental care will still be covered (extractions, infection, severe pain). Children, former foster youth under age 26, and pregnant women do not lose their dental benefits.
January 1, 2027: Work, school or volunteer requirements to remain on Medi-Cal. Requirements to earn $580/month, attend school half-time, volunteer or enroll in job training 20 hours/week begin. This applies to all adults ages 19-64 eligible because of the Affordable Care Act’s Medi-Cal expansion who do not qualify for an exemption. Adults parenting a child age 0-13 are exempt.
January 1, 2027: Medi-Cal renewals every six months. Medi-Cal members will now need to complete renewal forms twice each year instead of annually. This applies to all adults ages 19-64 eligible because of the Affordable Care Act expansion of Medi-Cal except for former foster youth under age 26, pregnant women, and tribal members. This likely does not apply to people on SSI/SSDI.
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