Changes are coming to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Read on to learn how you could be affected.
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What Californians Need to Know
Starting January 1, 2027, some people on Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, will need to prove to the state that they're working, in school, volunteering, or completing job training in order to keep their health insurance.
Who Is Affected
Many adults ages 19–64 covered by Medi-Cal through the Affordable Care Act expansion will need to meet new work requirements to keep their coverage unless they qualify for an exemption.
Who Is Exempt
Exemptions include people younger than 19 or older than 64; pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy; American Indians/Alaska Natives; parents and caretakers of children 13 and younger; individuals who have a mental, substance use, or physical condition that impairs their ability to work; and several other groups. To see a full list, please follow the links below.
Timeline
California Resources
BenefitsCal
Apply for coverage, update your contact information, and check your benefits online.
benefitscal.com →Medi-Cal Changes
California’s official overview of what’s changing and when, who’s exempt, and how to meet the requirement.
dhcs.ca.gov →Find Your County Medi-Cal Office
Find your local Medi-Cal office for help with your coverage, benefits, or account information.
dhcs.ca.gov →California Frequently Asked Questions
Due to new policies out of D.C., a number of changes will be coming over the coming months that could impact you, depending on your immigration status, work/school/volunteer qualifications, and more. You will begin to learn more from California in the coming weeks and be prepared to take action to make sure your Medi-Cal policy is protected.
Yes, many Medi-Cal recipients ages 19 through 64 are subject to new federal requirements.
Yes. DHCS will send notices to members affected by the new requirements before any coverage is terminated. Make sure your mailing address, email address, and phone number are up to date so you receive important information. You can update your information through BenefitsCal or by contacting your county office.
The new work requirements will go into effect beginning January 1, 2027. Individuals up for renewal in 2027 will be required to come into compliance with work requirements at their scheduled renewal date. When individuals are up for renewal, the state will either renew based on existing data or request information from the individual to support their renewal. Medi-Cal will check every 6 months, when your Medicaid is renewed. You must meet the requirement for 1 out of 6 months leading up to each renewal. If you do not, you will lose your Medicaid coverage. If you do not have Medicaid and are applying for it, you must meet this rule for 1 month before you apply to get coverage. Sign up for updates and we’ll notify you as deadlines approach.
Most Medi-Cal members will not see any changes to their coverage. A full list of exemptions can be found on the DHCS website, but some people are automatically exempt, including: children 18 years old or younger, parents or caregivers of children 13 and under, people with disabilities, pregnant people or those within 12 months of the end of a pregnancy, and those 65 and older. If you fall into any of these categories, it is recommended that you check the DHCS website for more information.
Medi-Cal will check every 6 months, when your Medicaid is renewed. You must meet the requirement for 1 out of 6 months leading up to each renewal. If you do not, you will lose your Medicaid coverage. If you do not have Medicaid and are applying for it, you must meet this rule for 1 month before you apply to get coverage.
Medi-Cal will first use information it already has to determine whether you meet the work requirements or qualify for an exemption. If Medi-Cal cannot verify this information, enrollees will need to document a qualifying exemption; at least 80 hours per month of employment, job training, and/or volunteering; attend school half-time; or earn at least $580 a month (you only need to meet one).
BenefitsCal is California’s official online portal for managing benefits and Medi-Cal information. You can also sign up with Keep Your Care and we’ll keep you up to date as deadlines approach.
Federal and state requirements and deadlines are still changing.
Sign up for updates and we'll notify you about any California-specific updates as they are released.