Yes. For adults ages 19-64 who do not have children (0-18 years), Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past medical bills from before they applied for Medi-Cal.
For all others, Medi-Cal will pay for up to two months of past medical bills.
Changes to member eligibility requirements
Members, including those with UIS, currently enrolled in Medi-Cal can keep using their benefits if they are still eligible and complete their renewal on time.
Effective July 1, 2027:
Yes. Adult members (19+) with UIS will no longer receive full dental coverage. However:
- Emergency dental care (pain, infection, extractions) will still be covered.
- Pregnant members will continue to receive full dental care during pregnancy and up to one year after it ends.
Effective January 1, 2027:
Yes, starting January 1, 2027, Medi-Cal enrollees must do one or more of the following:
- Work at a job and get paid.
- Earn at least $580 a month from working.
- Be a seasonal worker (someone who only works during certain times of the year) and make an average of $580 a month over the last six months.
- Be in a job training program (that helps you learn skills to get a job) for at least 80 hours per month.
- Volunteer or do community service for at least 80 hours per month. This should be organized and something you can prove you did with a letter or form.
- Go to school at least half-time. This usually means taking two or three classes or about six to eight credits each semester.
- Do a mix of the things listed above for a total of at least 80 hours per month, or at least $580 per month.
These new work or volunteer rules do not apply to:
- Children (0–18).
- Older adults (65 and older).
- Pregnant people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome.
- Parents with children age 0-13.
- People with disabilities.
- People with serious health or mental health conditions or substance use problems.
- People who were released from jail or prison within the last 90 days.
- People on Medicare Part A or Part B.
- American Indians or Alaska Natives.
- Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
More details will be addressed in future policy guidance.
Yes, starting March 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will have their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
- Members may need to renew your Medi-Cal every six months.
- Missing deadlines could cause loss of coverage.
WHO WILL CONTINUE WITH ONCE-A-YEAR RENEWALS:
- Members in a Medi-Cal program that is not under the Affordable Care Act new adult group.
- Pregnant or postpartum individuals.
- Alaska Native or American Indian members.
- Former foster youth under age 26, who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
More details will be addressed in future policy guidance.
Medi-Cal now looks at your assets (things you own) to decide if you can get or keep coverage. This applies if you:
- Are 65 or older.
- Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental).
- Live in a nursing home.
- Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules.
This means you’ll need to share information about what you own when you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal.
Assets are things you own that have value. These can include:
- Bank accounts
- Cash
- Second vehicles
- Second homes
- Other financial resources, no matter where they are
An asset limit is the most you can own in countable assets and still qualify for Medi-Cal.
- The limit is $130,000 for one person
- Add $65,000 for each additional family member (up to 10 people)
Not everyone in your home may count toward your family size. For example, adult children living with you are not included.
Some married couples or registered domestic partners may qualify for higher limits. Ask your county Medi-Cal office about Spousal Impoverishment (a rule that protects a spouse from losing all their assets).
For more information on asset limits, visit DHCS’s asset limit FAQ.
Other questions and guidance
You can cancel your Medi-Cal at any time. However, we encourage you to talk to a trusted legal advisor first. Canceling your coverage may leave you without care, including access to prescriptions, chronic condition management and emergency care.
Free, confidential legal help is available at:
Some IEHP providers offer in-home services, like visits from home health nurses or care teams, but you should always feel safe and informed before any visit is scheduled.
If someone contacts you unexpectedly or makes you uncomfortable in any way:
- Do not let them into your home.
- Do not share personal information.
- Call IEHP right away to verify if the person is a real IEHP provider or partner.