MAJOR CHANGES TO MEDI-CAL, CALFRESH AND COVERED CALIFORNIA FOR 2026

1. Key Changes to Medi-Cal/Partnership/CalFresh:
   1. January 1, 2026 begins the “Enrollment Freeze” for new Medi-Cal applicants based on their immigration status (more info below). If you already have Medi-Cal, you can stay covered no matter your immigration status.  For these individuals, if they have a lapse of coverage for more than 90 days, they will not be able to have their Medi-Cal reinstated.
   2. KNOW YOUR RENEWAL DATE! Late Medi-Cal renewals will likely be much more difficult starting in 2026, especially for folks with what is being called UIS (“Unsatisfactory Immigration Status”)
      You are considered to have UIS if you do not claim or cannot verify one of the recognized immigration statuses that qualify for federal funded full coverage Medi-Cal. Examples include:
      • • You do not have a status or do not have an immigration status recognized by Medi-Cal.
        • You have DACA.
        • You are in the U.S. on a visitor visa, student visa, or temporary work visa (unless under age 21).
        • You have applied for a U visa (but it hasn’t been granted yet).
        • You were paroled into the U.S. for less than one year.
   3. Individuals with UIS, if income eligible, can still qualify for pregnancy and emergency related services ONLY. Below are examples of what is considered “Satisfactory Immigration Status” who will still qualify, if income eligible, for full-scope Medi-Cal:
      You are considered to have SIS if:
      • • You are a U.S. citizen or national, OR
        • You are a non-citizen who has an immigration status that allows eligibility for federally funded full coverage
          Medi-Cal. Examples include:
          • • Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) who are exempt from or who have met the 5-year waiting period.
            • Refugees and asylees
   4. They are reinstating asset limits for older adults and people with disabilities.
   5. Full scope dental services will no longer be available for members who are “lawfully present immigrants” age 19+ (unless pregnant or post-partum) starting July 1, 2026.
   6. Pay attention to your mail. The renewal packet will arrive in a YELLOW ENVELOPE. DO NOT IGNORE THIS LETTER and make sure to keep your contact information up to date with Social Services directly!
   7. CalFresh will be adding work requirements for ABAWD- Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents-between the age of 18-64 and folks will have to re-apply every three months instead of annually. “Dependents” were once considered age 18 and younger—this is changing to age 14. Be aware of fake apps that charge $ to access EBT benefit info. The only legitimate app is called ebtEDGE. DON’T GET SCAMMED! Ask one of MCC’s Patient Advocates for more information.
2. Key Changes to Covered California:
   1. The only acceptable proof of income will be your 1040 income tax return documents. Paystubs and written attestations are no longer acceptable.  Married couples MUST file jointly to qualify.  If you have not filed, you will not qualify.
   2. Covered California will no longer be automatically renewed.  You must re-enroll every 12 months. Patients MUST be carefully reading any correspondence they receive from Covered CA and/or their insurance provider through Covered CA (Blue Shield or Anthem) and initiate re-enrollment.
   3. Premiums are going up significantly—you can use Covered California’s “Shop and Compare” tool to get an idea of what the monthly premiums will be for 2026.
   4. DACA recipients are no longer eligible (undocumented adults have never been eligible for Covered California)
   5. Open enrollment for Covered California is November 1 – January 31

For more information or assistance in enrolling or re-enrolling in these programs, call MCC at (707) 964-1251 to make an appointment with one of our Patient Advocates.