Changes to CalFresh and Medi-Cal

Need to know

Important CalFresh and Medi-Cal updates are coming. This page has an overview.

Most people will continue to qualify for benefits, but you may see changes.

Stay informed

  • Check your postal mail.
  • Make sure BenefitsCal has your contact information.

Get help

If you have qustions or need help:

Why are there changes?

House Resolution 1 passed last year. It changes federal laws about benefits. California also made changes.

CalFresh

Noncitizen Eligibility

Certain groups of noncitizens will be limited from getting CalFresh. If you get CalFresh now and these changes affect you, your benefits will be re-evaluated at your next renewal.

Start date: April 1, 2026. 

Work Requirements

Work requirements will apply to Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs).

Start date: June 1, 2026.

Medi-Cal

Reinstatement of Asset Limits

We now need to check for assets when you apply or renew your Medi-Cal. Assets are things of value that you own.

Start date: January 1, 2026.

Enrollment Freeze for Adult Immigrants

Some adults lost the ability to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status. This is due to state budget changes in 2025.

Start date: January 1, 2026.

Dental Coverage for Adult Immigrants

Some adults will stop getting full scope dental services as part of their Medi-Cal coverage.

Start date: July 1, 2026.

Restrictions on Lawful Immigrant Eligibility

The federal government will change how some immigration statuses are classified for federally funded full scope Medi-Cal benefits.

Start date: October 1, 2026.

Work and Community Engagement Requirements

The federal government will require that some adults meet the new Work and Community Engagement rules to get or keep Medi-Cal.

Start date: January 1, 2027.

Six-Month Eligibility Checks

The federal government will require that adults ages 19-64 get their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.

Start date: January 1, 2027.

Less Time to Get Help Paying Old Medical Bills

The federal government will change how Medi-Cal covers old medical bills. Medi-Cal will pay for one month of past bills before you apply for adults without children. For all others, Medi-Cal will pay for up to two months of past bills.

Start date: January 1, 2027.

Monthly Premiums for Adult Immigrants

Due to California state budget changes, some adults will need to pay a small monthly premium to keep their full scope Medi-Cal. 

Start date: July 1, 2027.

Copayments for Medi-Cal

The federal government will require that some adults on Medi-Cal pay a small fee (called a co-payment) for certain services.

Start date: October 1, 2028.

 

For case status and updates contact our Access Customer Service Center at 1-866-262-9881 or 211 for additional resources.