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Medi-Cal is Changing

Work rules and shorter renewal cycles start January 1, 2027. If you manage a chronic condition, you may already be exempt from new Medi-Cal rules.  Most Project FoodBox members already qualify for an exemption - see where you stand.

Most members won't see any changes to their coverage.

You can still:
  • See your doctor
  • Get your medicine
  • Get checkups and vaccines
  • See a dentist
  • Access mental health care
  • Receive your FoodBox benefit

Key Dates Timeline

Nothing about your coverage changes today. Three dates matter over the next several months — when your notice arrives, when the work rule starts, and when your renewal cycle shifts. Watch your mail for each one.

  1. AUG - SEP, 2026

    Your county Medi-Cal office mails a letter if this rule applies to you. Open it right away and follow whatever deadline it gives you.

  2. JAN 1, 2027

    The 80-hour work rule starts for adults 19–64 in the ACA expansion group. Most members — including kids, people 65+, and people with disabilities — aren't affected.

  3. After MAR 1, 2027

    Members renewing after this date move from yearly to twice-a-year eligibility checks. Update your contact info now so a renewal notice doesn't miss you.

Maintaining Coverage

Starting January 1, 2027, keeping Medi-Cal will depend on documenting work, school, training, or income — here's exactly what changes.

DHCS projects 4.8 million enrollees will fall under the rule, with 2.2 million expected to qualify for an exemption. Qualifying isn't automatic — you must establish it with your county office. 

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What to do now

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Update your contact information
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Check your exemption status
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Watch your mail
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Keep your Project FoodBox enrollment active

 

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Exemption Checklist

Qualifying isn't automatic, but for most PFB members it's already within reach. Check the categories below to see where you stand. Stay up to date with the latest official Medi-Cal guidance.

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Caregiving 

  • Pregnant or postpartum
  • Caregiver of a young child
  • Caregiver of a disabled family member
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Health & Disability

  • Disability
  • Serious health condition
  • Substance use treatment
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Status-based

  • Age 65+ & under 19
  • Medicare A or B
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
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Life Circumstances

  • Recently incarcerated
  • Foster care, under 26
  • Temporary hardship exceptions

Medi-Cal Change FAQs

Common questions about what will change in Medicaid next year

H.R. 1 is a federal law passed in 2025 that changes Medicaid rules nationwide, including in California's Medi-Cal program. Most of its Medi-Cal changes take effect in 2027.

Not yet, if the work requirement is the only change that applies to you — it doesn't start until January 1, 2027. The most useful thing to do today is make sure your county Medi-Cal office has your current address, phone number, and email.

You could lose your Medi-Cal coverage. If that happens, DHCS materials indicate members can often get coverage reinstated by returning a renewal packet quickly — contact your county office right away if you miss a deadline.

California is part of a multi-state legal challenge to part of the federal rule, particularly how "medically frail" is defined for exemption purposes. A judge has allowed the January 1, 2027 start date to stand while that case continues. We're planning around that date, and we'll update this page if the details change.

Some Medi-Cal rules for immigrants changed separately from H.R. 1, starting in January 2026, with more changes in 2027. This page focuses on the work requirement and renewal changes that apply broadly. See DHCS's immigration status guidance for how the immigrant-specific changes might affect you.