Login

Upcoming Medi-Cal Rule Changes for Adults

New rules and how to stay covered with Medi-Cal

 

Updated: October 22, 2026

Important Medi-Cal rule changes are coming in 2027. Our goal is to help you understand:

  • What is changing
  • Who the new rules apply to
  • What you can do to keep your Medi-Cal coverage

 

We know healthcare can feel confusing, so we want to share this information as clearly as we can. If any of these changes apply to you, Medi-Cal or your county office will send you a letter.

Work and community engagement rule

Some adults ages 19-64 may need to work, go to school, volunteer, be in a job training program or have income to keep Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal will let you know if this applies to you. 

 

Who this applies to: 

    		Who this does not apply to: 

    • Adults 19-64 who get Medi-Cal through the Affordable Care Act, including adults covered under new immigrant rules. 

    • Children 
    • Adults 65 and older 
    • Pregnant people (during pregnancy and one year after) 
    • Parents or caregivers of children ages 0–13 
    • Parents or caregivers of someone with a disability or serious medical or mental health condition
    • People with disabilities 
    • People with serious physical or mental health conditions, or substance use problems 
    • People recently released from jail or prison (within 90 days) 
    • People with Medicare Part A or B 
    • American Indian or Alaska Native members 
    • People under age 26 who were in foster care when they turned 18 
    • People who meet the CalWORKs work requirement
    • People who get CalFresh and are not excused from the CalFresh work program
    • Veterans with a full (total) disability

    Important to know: 

    Members must do at least one of the following each month: 
    • Work and earn at least $580 
    • Be a seasonal worker and earn an average of $580 over six months 
    • Be in job training for at least 80 hours 
    • Volunteer at least 80 hours 
    • Attend school at least half-time 
    • Combine any of these activities to reach 80 hours or $580 a month 

     

    Medical bill payment rule

    Medi-Cal will cover fewer months of past medical bills if this rule applies to you. 

     

    Who this applies to: 

    • Adults 19-64 without children ages 0-18 

     

    New rules: 

    • Adults without children: Medi-Cal will pay for one month of past medical bills. 
    • Everyone else: Medi-Cal will pay for two months of past medical bills. 

    Six-month renewal rule

    Some members will have their Medi-Cal checked twice a year instead of once. 

     

    Who this applies to: 

    • Adults 19-64 who get Medi-Cal through the ACA expansions 

     

    Who this does not apply to: 

    • People not in the ACA adult group 
    • Pregnant or postpartum people 
    • American Indian or Alaska Native members 
    • People under 26 who were in foster care at age 18 

    Asset limit rule

    Medi-Cal has lowered the amount of assets you can own.

    • Through June 30, 2027:
      • $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 per extra household member (up to 10).
    • Starting July 1, 2027:
      • $21,000 for one person; $31,000 for two plus $1,550 per extra household member (up to 10).

     

    Who this applies to:

    • People 65 or older.
    • People with disabilities.
    • Nursing home residents.
    • Families that make too much income under federal tax rules.

     

    Countable assets: Bank accounts, cash, more than one house or car

     

    Assets not counted: The home you live in, one car, household items, retirement funds

    Important to know

    • New Medi-Cal enrollees must start meeting these rules in January 2027.
    • Current Medi-Cal members must start meeting these rules in March 2027 or six months after your renewal date.
    • If you are required to meet the rules and you do not, you could lose your Medi-Cal.
    • Medi-Cal will send more details before the new rules begin.
    • Missing deadlines could cause you to lose Medi-Cal. Please respond to all letters quickly. 

     

    If you have unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS), you may be subject to further changes. Visit our UIS page to learn more.

    How to keep your Medi-Cal

    1. Keep your Medi-Cal contact information up to date so you don’t miss messages. 
    2. Check your mail often. Reply quickly to any packets or letters. 
    3. Know your renewal date. Renew online or call your county office if needed. 
    4. Keep going to medical appointments. Ask about video or phone visits. 
    5. Visit our website and social media pages for updates. 
    6. Ask questions if anything is unclear. 

    Get in touch

    If you have any questions about Medi-Cal renewal, reach out to our Eligibility and Outreach team.

     

    Call 1-888-860-1296, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.