California’s Medi-Cal program is set to change beginning in 2026, bringing new rules that may affect older adults, people with disabilities, and immigrant families. While most participants will keep their coverage, families are encouraged to stay informed and renew on time to avoid interruptions.
The good news is that most benefits remain the same. Medi-Cal members can still see their doctors, get prescriptions, receive mental-health support, and access emergency, dental, and vision care. However, several policy updates will roll out between 2026 and 2028.
Starting January 2026, Medi-Cal will again review what people own, known as an asset check. Adults 65 and older or people with disabilities may need to share bank and property information. The limit will be $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional family member. A family’s home and one vehicle will not count toward that total.
Also in 2026, some adults without legal status or those who have had a green card for less than five years will no longer be able to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. People already enrolled can keep their benefits if they renew on time. Children under 19 and pregnant people will continue to qualify, with pregnancy coverage lasting through the pregnancy and one year after.
For immigration status and Medical Eligibility visit: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/immigration-status-categories.aspx.
Dental benefits will also change in July 2026. Some immigrant adults will lose full dental coverage, though urgent care for pain or infection will remain covered. Pregnancy-related dental care will continue.
In January 2027, some adults 19 to 64 will need to work, volunteer, or attend school 80 hours a month to maintain coverage. Renewals for certain households will occur every six months instead of once a year. Later that year, small monthly premiums—around $30—will begin for some members, with modest copayments added in 2028 for certain specialist visits and tests.To stay covered, families should keep their contact information updated, respond promptly to renewal letters, and attend regular medical visits. For updates and changes in medical Eligibility please visit Keep Your Medi-Cal.