5 Major Medi-Cal Changes in 2027
Learn Early · Prepare with Confidence · Don’t Miss Out on Your Coverage
Coverage for most Medi-Cal members will not change, but some adult members should pay close attention to the following new rules.
Work / Community Engagement Requirements
Some adults ages 19–64 who get Medi-Cal through the ACA expansion will need to meet requirements such as working, going to school, job training, or community service.
Ways to meet the requirement include:
- Working, and meeting the required income or hours
- Job training: at least 80 hours per month
- Volunteering / community service: at least 80 hours per month
- Attending school at least half-time
- A combination of these activities that meets the requirement
Common exemptions include: children; people age 65 and older; people who are pregnant or within one year after giving birth; parents or caregivers of children ages 0–13; people with disabilities; people with certain health conditions; some Medicare members; American Indians and Alaska Natives; and youth who meet certain foster care criteria.
Some Members Will Move to FFS
Some members who receive certain Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status may be moved from Managed Care to Fee-for-Service (FFS).
FFS does not mean you have to pay for your own medical care. The main change is how you access care. Before your visit, check whether your doctor or clinic accepts Medi-Cal FFS.
Some Adults Will Be Reviewed Every 6 Months
For some ACA expansion adults ages 19–64, Medi-Cal eligibility reviews will change from once a year to twice a year.
When you receive a renewal notice, be sure to respond by the deadline to avoid a gap in your coverage.
Dental Benefit Changes for Some Adults
Some adults affected by immigration status rules will no longer receive general dental benefits, but can still receive qualifying emergency dental services.
Children, people who are pregnant or within one year after giving birth, and youth who meet certain foster care criteria are not affected by this change.
Lower Asset Limit for Some Members
This mainly affects people age 65 and older, people with disabilities, nursing home residents, and some other Medi-Cal categories.
Asset limit: $21,000 for 1 person; $31,000 for 2 people; add $1,550 for each additional person.
Usually not counted: your home, one primary vehicle, household goods, and some retirement accounts.
What Can You Do Now? 5 Steps to Help You Get Ready
Update Your Contact Information
Make sure your County Medi-Cal office has your current address, phone number, and email.
Watch
Your Mail
If you receive a renewal or policy notice from Medi-Cal or your county, read it and respond right away.
Keep Records of Work / Volunteering
If the work / community engagement requirements may apply to you, keep your pay stubs and records of work hours, volunteer hours, training, and school enrollment.
Check Your Medical Providers
If you may be moved to FFS, ask your doctor or clinic ahead of time whether they accept Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service.
Ask When in Doubt
Everyone’s Medi-Cal category is different. Don’t guess whether you are affected; check with your County Medi-Cal Office or your health care provider.
A Friendly Reminder from Tzu Chi Medical
A policy change does NOT mean you will lose Medi-Cal right away.
Read Your Mail | Renew on Time | Update Your Information | Ask Questions
If You Receive a Medi-Cal Notice…
Don’t ignore it, and don’t give up your coverage just because you are unsure what it means. Check the notice for what it says, the deadline, and which Medi-Cal category applies to you. If you have questions, contact your County Medi-Cal Office or DHCS.
Tzu Chi Health Center
Appointments: +1 (626) 281-3383
Caring for Your Health and Health Coverage
Source: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Please confirm your individual eligibility based on the latest DHCS announcements and your county notices.