Medi-Cal Program Updates
This page is a running reference of confirmed Medi-Cal program changes that may affect participants served by ICMS programs in Los Angeles County. Information is sourced from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and updated as changes are confirmed.
Use the tabs below to see what is in effect, what is coming, and how to support participants.
Changes Now In Effect
The following Medi-Cal changes are currently active. Review each entry and use the Case Manager Role tab for guidance on supporting participants through these changes.
January 1, 2026
Enrollment Freeze
New enrollments for full scope Medi-Cal are frozen for undocumented adults ages 19 and older without satisfactory federal immigration status. Participants already enrolled remain covered as long as they renew on time.
- If coverage lapses due to a late renewal, participants have 90 days to re-enroll
- If an affected participant does not re-enroll within 90 days, they qualify for emergency and pregnancy care only
Asset Limit Return
Medi-Cal applications and renewals now include an asset check. Assets are reviewed each year at renewal. The limit is $130,000 for one person, with $65,000 added for each additional family member up to 10 people.
Assets that count include bank accounts and cash. Assets that do not count include the home a person lives in, one vehicle, and household items.
Primarily affects adults ages 65 and older, people with disabilities, and people in long-term care. Income rules for Medi-Cal have not changed.
Upcoming Program Changes
The following Medi-Cal changes are confirmed and will take effect on the dates shown. Changes are listed with the most immediate date first. Use the Case Manager Role tab for action steps.
July 1, 2026
Dental Coverage Change
Full scope dental services end for adults ages 19 and older who do not qualify for federal full scope Medi-Cal. Affected participants retain emergency dental care only. Routine services such as cleanings, fillings, and periodontal treatment will no longer be covered.
Emergency dental care that remains covered: severe tooth pain, oral infections, tooth extractions, jaw injuries, persistent bleeding in the mouth, and after-surgery care.
October 1, 2026
Federal Immigration Status Reclassification
The federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses. People who may be affected include refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking with a pending immigration status.
January 1, 2027
Work Requirements
Some adults ages 19 to 64 on ACA-based Medi-Cal must meet work, volunteer, or school participation requirements to maintain coverage. Requirements include working at least 80 hours per month, attending school at least half-time, or a qualifying combination of activities.
Many exemptions apply, including for people with disabilities, serious health conditions, parents of children under 13, and people released from incarceration within the past 90 days.
Six-Month Eligibility Checks
Most adults ages 19 to 64 will have Medi-Cal eligibility reviewed twice a year instead of annually.
This will increase the frequency of renewal support needed for participants in this age group. Exemptions include pregnant people, Alaska Native or American Indian members, and former foster youth under 26.
July 1, 2027
Monthly Premiums
Some adult Medi-Cal members without satisfactory federal immigration status will be required to pay a monthly premium to maintain full scope coverage. Members who do not pay will be moved to restricted scope coverage, which covers emergency care, pregnancy care, and nursing home care.
Your Role as a Case Manager
Case managers play a key role in helping participants maintain Medi-Cal coverage and access care during program changes. Use the guidance below to support participants through the ongoing renewal requirement and the July 1 dental coverage change.
Note: If a participant’s coverage stops because of a late renewal or missing paperwork, they will have 90 days to re-enroll. Act early to prevent gaps in coverage.
Supporting Medi-Cal Renewals
Step 1: Monitor Renewal Date
Proactively check each participant’s Medi-Cal renewal date. Log in to BenefitsCal to check current coverage status and expiration dates.
Step 2: Gather Documents Early
Begin collecting supporting documents well before the renewal deadline. Required documents include proof of identity, residency, income, and any other health insurance such as Medicare.
Step 3: Submit Renewal Form
No later than 60 days before the renewal due date, log in to BenefitsCal to submit the Medi-Cal Renewal form with current supporting documents.
Step 4: Monitor Status and Follow Up
Monitor renewal status until it is finalized. Follow up promptly on any additional information requests to avoid delays or gaps in coverage.
Supporting Dental Care Access
Identify Participants With Unresolved Dental Needs
Review caseloads to identify participants in the affected group who have ongoing dental concerns. Encourage them to schedule and complete dental appointments before June 30, 2026. Any non-emergency dental care provided on July 1 or later will not be covered for this group.
Connect Participants to Dental Resources
Help participants find a Medi-Cal dentist by calling Medi-Cal Dental at 1-800-322-6384 (TTY: 1-800-735-2929). After July 1, affected participants can still visit any Medi-Cal dentist for covered emergency dental care.
What Case Managers Can Do
- Check Medi-Cal coverage status using available tools
- Explain the benefits of Medi-Cal to participants
- Support participants in collecting documents and submitting applications or renewals
- Share official information, offer assurance, and help participants understand the potential results of their choices while respecting their decisions
- Do not make promises about how Medi-Cal information might be used by immigration enforcement, provide legal advice, or make decisions on behalf of participants
Full Scope Medi-Cal Benefits Include
- Doctor care
- Medications
- Lab tests
- Wellness care
- Mental health and addiction services
- Food and nutrition support
- Emergency care
- Senior care
- Rehabilitation services
- In-home support services
- Transportation to appointments
- Hospital care
- Vision
- Dental (for participants who qualify)
Resources for Case Managers and Participants
Use the resources below to check coverage, submit renewals, download tip sheets, and contact Medi-Cal directly.
BenefitsCal
BenefitsCal is the online portal for applying for and managing Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and other benefits. Case managers and participants can use it to check coverage status, submit renewal forms, and upload supporting documents.
- Check Medi-Cal coverage status and renewal date
- Submit the Medi-Cal Renewal form
- Upload supporting documents
- Apply for food, cash aid, and health coverage benefits
Tip Sheets
Download informative tip sheets for participants and staff. Available in English and Spanish.
Medi-Cal Hotlines
Medi-Cal Dental Hotline
For questions about dental benefits and to find a Medi-Cal dentist. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Call: 1-800-322-6384 (TTY: 1-800-735-2929)
Data Privacy and Medi-Cal
Participants have the right to be concerned about how their information might be used. Case managers should share accurate facts and help participants understand how their information is primarily used to coordinate coverage and care.
Note: Participants’ concerns are valid. Making an informed decision is important. A participant’s decision regarding Medi-Cal will not affect their housing eligibility.
Key Facts
- Federal agencies shared Medi-Cal data with ICE in July 2025
- A court temporarily blocked this action. No data has been shared since.
- Canceling coverage does not erase data that has already been shared
Information Submitted for Medi-Cal Applications and Renewals
- Personal Info: Full name, date of birth, SSN (if applicable), Medi-Cal Client Index Number (CIN), race, ethnicity, gender, language, contact information
- Household Composition: Names and relationships of people in the household
- Citizenship and Immigration Status