Healthcare Coverage Resources

Changes are happening, GVHC is here to help

As a trusted healthcare provider, we want to reassure our patients that they can continue to receive care at our clinics, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Our team is here to help you stay informed and provide you with the resources you need to access preventative healthcare.

What’s Changing?

Starting in 2026 and 2027, several Medi-Cal rules will change. Some changes only affect certain people based on their age, immigration status, family situation, or other eligibility rules.

If a change affects your coverage, Medi-Cal will contact you by mail. Keep your mailing address up to date and complete any renewal forms by the deadline to avoid losing coverage.

Healthcare Coverage Infographic - 3 Steps to Stay Covered

Key Eligibility Changes

Please review the updates below to understand how your eligibility or benefits could change.

Full-Scope Medi-Cal Enrollment Freeze – January 1, 2026

Adults age 19 and older who have an Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) will not be able to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal starting in 2026. If you currently have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can continue receiving care as long as you complete your renewal on time and continue to meet Medi-Cal eligibility rules.

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Less Time to Get Help with Past Medical Bills – January 1, 2027

Starting January 1, 2027, Medi-Cal will pay for fewer months of medical bills you had before your Medi-Cal coverage started.

Who this applies to:

Adults (age 19-64) without children (0-18)

If this applies to you, Medi-Cal will send you a letter.

Important to know: New rules:

Adults without children: Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills
All others: Medi-Cal will pay for two months of past bills

Work Requirements Begin – January 1, 2027

Some adult Medi-Cal members between ages 19 to 64 will need to work, volunteer or go to school to keep Medi-Cal:

These new work or volunteer rules do not apply to:

Former foster youth under age 18.
People on Medicare Part A or Part B.
People with disabilities.
Pregnant people, including one year postpartum.
Parents with children ages 0 to 13.
People with serious health or mental health conditions or substance use disorders.
Some people who were released from jail or prison.
American Indian or Alaska Native members.

Medi-Cal Renewals Every 6 Months – March 1, 2027

Starting March 1, 2027, Medi-Cal redeterminations will occur every six months for adults who are enrolled in Medi-Cal.

These members 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

Exempt members may still need to meet annual renewal deadlines to maintain their coverage.

Dental Coverage – July 1, 2027

Starting July 1, 2027, some adult Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services based on their immigration status.

Important to know: You can still get care dental emergencies, including:

Serious tooth pain
Infections
Tooth extractions

Some people in this group will still get full-scope dental. You are eligible if you are:

Individuals who qualify for federal full-scope Medi-Cal
A child (0-18)
Pregnant (through pregnancy and up to one year after)
Under age 26 and were in foster care on their 18th birthday

Immigration Status Changes – July 1, 2027

Starting in October 2026, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses. These changes affect whether certain adults can continue getting federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal. If you are affected, you will continue receiving state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027.

Members may be affected if they get Medi-Cal and are:

A refugee or asylee.
A humanitarian parolee.
A survivor of domestic violence or human trafficking.

More information will be available soon.

Monthly Premiums – July 1, 2027

Some members will need to pay monthly premiums to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal based on their immigration status.

If you don’t pay, your Medi-Cal will change to restricted-scope, which covers:

Emergency care
Pregnancy-related care
Nursing home care

You will not have to pay a premium if you are:

A child (0-18)
Pregnant (through pregnancy and up to one year after)
Under age 26 and were in foster care on their 18th birthday

Non-MAGI Medi-Cal asset limits reduced – July 1, 2027

On January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal changed the amount of certain assets (things you own that have value) you can own when you apply or renew. Income rules have not changed. Now they are changing it again.

Who this applies to:

You may be affected if you:

Are age 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

The Change:

Through June 30, 2027:

The most you can own (asset limit) is $130,000 for one person
Add $65,000 for every extra person in your house (up to 10 people)

Starting July 1, 2027, the asset limit is:

$21,000 for one person
$31,000 for two people
Add $1,550 for every extra person in your house (up to 10 people)

Assets that count include:

Bank accounts
Cash
More than one house or vehicle

Assets that don’t count include:

The home you live in
One vehicle
Household items
Some savings, like retirement accounts

Learn More About Medi-Cal Changes

Applying for medi-cal

If you don’t get your renewal letter in the mail, you can renew your Medi-Cal on BenefitsCal.com. This is a one-stop place to apply for Medi-Cal and update your information.