Medi-Cal eligibility changes for some noncitizens to take effect

New federal regulations stemming from H.R. 1 will change how certain immigration statuses are classified, impacting eligibility for federally funded, full-scope Medi-Cal starting October 1, 2026. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) has advised affected individuals to monitor notices from the county and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to ensure they complete renewals and maintain current contact information.

Certain populations will remain eligible for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal, including specific Cuban and Haitian entrants, individuals from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau under the Compacts of Free Association, and Lawful Permanent Residents who have completed a five-year waiting period or are otherwise exempt.

Other groups that may face changes to federal funding include refugees, asylees, certain conditional entrants, and Lawful Permanent Residents who have not yet met the five-year requirement. While federal funding eligibility may change, officials noted that some affected individuals may continue to receive state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027. Starting January 1, 2027, these individuals will transition to fee-for-service Medi-Cal, allowing them to access care from any provider accepting the program at no cost to the beneficiary.