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.
Key Eligibility Changes
Please review the updates below to understand how your eligibility or benefits could change.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
3 Steps to Stay Covered
1) If you have moved, update your contact information.
Make sure your county Medi-Cal office has your correct address and phone number.
2) Know your renewal date and watch your mail.
You should get a renewal letter mailed to you from your county Medi-Cal office with any steps you need to take to renew.
3) If you are required to complete renewal paperwork, fill it out and send it back fast.
Return your renewal to your county office by the deadline. If you do not renew your Medi-Cal before your renewal deadline, you will lose your benefits. To keep your coverage, complete your renewal each time it is due.
More Renewal Options
If you don’t get your renewal letter in the mail, you can also renew your Medi-Cal by:
- Using the BenefitsCal website.
- Contacting your local county Medi-Cal office to renew by mail, phone or in person.
Did you miss the deadline to renew your Medi-Cal coverage?
You may be able to get your benefits back right away by filling out your renewal information. If you are not sure about your renewal deadline, you can log in to BenefitsCal to find out when your renewal is due.
Enrollment Assistance
Medicare enrollment assistance:
For Medi-Cal enrollment support, use the following community resources in your county:
- 211 – United Way: Dial 211
- Merced County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) – Access & Engagement: (209) 381-6800
- Merced County Community Action Agency (MCCAA): (209) 381-5260
- Merced County Health Services Agency: (209) 385-3000
- Merced County Public Health Department: (855) 421-6770
- Merced County Rescue Mission: (209) 255-3716
- Merced Lao Family: (209) 384-7384
- New Direction: (209) 205-3123
- Sierra Vista Child & Family Services: (209) 205-1058
- United Way of Merced County: (209) 384-1205
- 211 – United Way: Dial 211
- Catholic Charities – Health Care Access Program: (209) 444-5940
- Community Medical Centers, Inc: (209) 373-2824
- Community Partnership for Families (CPFSJ): Dorothy L. Jones/CUFF Family Resource Center: (209) 444-5555
- Community Partnership for Families (CPFSJ) Lodi Family Resource Center: (209) 269-8262
- Community Partnership for Families (CPFSJ): Tracy Family Resource Center: (209) 229-4922
- Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL): (209) 521-7260
- El Concilio: (209) 644-2600
- Health Plan of San Joaquin: 1-888-936-PLAN (7526) TTY 711
Affordable Care Options
No Insurance? No Problem. Golden Valley Health Centers cares for everyone. Our Sliding Fee Scale Program offers reduced costs based on income and family size, so care remains affordable. If you’ve recently lost coverage or your renewal is delayed, you can still be seen at GVHC.
Call us at (209) 722-4842 if you have questions about our Sliding Fee Scale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
GVHC offers Behavioral Health services in all three counties. We can make you an appointment today.
You can call Golden Valley Health Centers at (209) 722-4842 to request a telehealth or virtual urgent care appointment from the comfort of your home.
Yes. Golden Valley Health Centers provides care to everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Yes. Golden Valley Health Centers offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program, which allows uninsured patients to pay for services based on their income and family size. No one is turned away.
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