Questions and Support

A federal law passed in 2025 made several changes to Medicaid, the public health coverage program known as Medi-Cal in California.

The law includes new requirements that affect eligibility, renewals and other parts of Medicaid programs across the country. California is now preparing to implement these federal requirements through Medi-Cal.

Many of the changes begin in 2027, although some changes take effect earlier or later.

H.R. 1 was a federal budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress and signed into law in 2025. It is sometimes referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The law makes changes to several federal programs, including Medicaid. Because Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, some of these federal changes will affect Medi-Cal members and applicants.

Coverage Is Care focuses on helping you understand the changes that may affect your health coverage and what you can do to prepare.

The changes do not all happen at once.

Some changes begin in 2026, while several important eligibility and renewal changes are expected to take effect beginning January 1, 2027. Other provisions will be implemented later.

Because dates and implementation details may change as additional guidance becomes available, check this website regularly for updated information.

No. The changes will not affect everyone in the same way.

Some requirements apply to specific groups of Medi-Cal members based on factors such as age, eligibility category, immigration status and individual circumstances.

If you're unsure whether a change applies to you, use the resources on this page to learn more or submit a question using the form at the bottom of this page.

Some adults ages 19 through 64 in a specific Medi-Cal eligibility group will have new work or community engagement requirements beginning in 2027.

People who are subject to the requirement generally may meet it through qualifying activities such as working, volunteering, participating in an approved work program or attending school at least half-time.

Not everyone will be required to meet these requirements. Some people will qualify for an exemption.

For people who are subject to the new requirement, federal law generally requires at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities.

Qualifying activities can include work, community service, an approved work program, education or a combination of qualifying activities.

Income may also be used to demonstrate that the requirement has been met in some circumstances.

There are several exemptions.

Depending on individual circumstances, exemptions may include people with certain serious health conditions or disabilities, some parents and caregivers, certain veterans, people with qualifying substance use or mental health conditions, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, and others.

The rules are detailed, so don't assume that the requirement applies to you—or that you are exempt—based only on this list. Additional information about exemptions will be added as California continues implementing the new requirements.

If the requirement applies to you and the state cannot verify that you've met it or qualify for an exemption, you should receive information about what you need to do next.

Federal rules include a process for people to provide additional information before eligibility is denied or ended.

If you receive a notice about work or community engagement requirements, read it carefully and respond by the deadline listed on the notice.

Some adults will. Beginning January 1, 2027, members in California's Medi-Cal New Adult Group will generally have their eligibility renewed every six months instead of once a year.

Other groups—including children, pregnant and postpartum individuals, many older adults, people with disabilities, foster youth and former foster youth under age 26, and American Indian and Alaska Native members—will generally continue with annual renewals.

There are a few simple things you can do:

• Make sure your mailing address is current.
• Keep your phone number and email address up to date.
• Watch for letters, emails or text messages about your Medi-Cal coverage.
• Open and read notices you receive.
• Respond to requests for information by the deadline.

Keeping your information current can help make sure important notices reach you.

Missing a request for information or failing to complete required renewal steps may cause your coverage to be interrupted.

If you've received a notice, follow the instructions on it as soon as possible.

If your Medi-Cal coverage has already ended, you may still have options. Visit the resources below for information about Medi-Cal eligibility, applications and renewals.

Retroactive coverage can help pay for certain eligible healthcare services received before the month someone applies for Medi-Cal. Beginning January 1, 2027, the federal law shortens this period.

For adults in the ACA Medi-Cal expansion group, retroactive coverage will generally be limited to one month before the application month. For most other eligible Medi-Cal applicants, it will generally be limited to two months before the application month.

Currently, eligible applicants may receive up to three months of retroactive coverage.