Medi-Cal enrollment changes for some immigrants
Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be eligible to enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal based on their immigration status.
Who This Affects
To find out if you are subject to the Adult Expansion Enrollment Freeze, see the Immigration Status Categories chart here.
Important to Know
If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can stay covered no matter your immigration status, as long as you:
- Complete your Medi-Cal renewal as required
- Meet Medi-Cal eligibility rules (such as income limits and living in California)
Renew on time. If you don't, your Medi-Cal could end.
If Your Medi-Cal Ends
You will have a three-month grace period from the last date of eligibility listed on your Notice of Action to re-enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal.
If you do not re-enroll by the end of the three-month grace period, you will need to reapply for Medi-Cal and will only be eligible for restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which covers:
- Emergency care
- Pregnancy-related care
- Nursing home care
The following groups can still get full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status:
- Children (ages 0-18)
- Pregnant people, during pregnancy and up to one year after it ends
- Former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday
More Medi-Cal Changes
Starting October 1, 2026
New federal rules change how full-scope Medi-Cal is funded for some immigrants. If you are affected, California will continue to provide your full-scope Medi-Cal using state funds.
Your full-scope Medi-Cal benefits will not change because of this transition.
Starting January 1, 2027
Some Medi-Cal members will move from a Medi-Cal health plan to Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service. This changes how you get your care, but you will still have full-scope Medi-Cal.
With Fee-for-Service, you can see any doctor, clinic or other provider that accepts Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service.
Fee-for-Service does not mean you pay. Medi-Cal still pays for your care.
Starting February 1, 2027
Some people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal may lose their Medicare coverage because of changes to federal eligibility rules.
If you are affected and remain eligible for Medi-Cal, you will continue to have full-scope Medi-Cal coverage.