Medi-Cal changes coming Jan. 1, 2027: What members need to know

"San Bernardino County Update", yellow arrowhead and "SBCounty.gov

A female doctor holding a clipboard smiles at a female patient in a clinic setting. — Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will transition from a Medi-Cal health plan to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal while maintaining full-scope coverage. Members who may be affected are encouraged to update their information, confirm their provider accepts Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal and locate their Medi-Cal Beneficiary Identification Card.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will see changes in how they receive services due to new federal rules.

This includes members with certain immigration statuses, including undocumented individuals and certain lawful permanent residents who have had that status for less than five years. For a complete list, visit Immigration Status and Changes to Medi-Cal Eligibility | DHCS.

While federal rules are changing, impacted Californians will keep their full-scope Medi-Cal. Their coverage will not stop. However, they will now receive care through regular Medi-Cal, also known as Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal.

What will change on Jan. 1, 2027?

Your Medi-Cal health plan enrollment will end. You will transition to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal.
You will use your Medi-Cal Beneficiary Identification Card (BIC) instead of your health plan card when receiving care.
Your doctor or clinic must accept Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal. If your current provider accepts it, you can continue receiving care there. If not, you will need to choose another provider that does.
Some services available only through Medi-Cal health plans will no longer be available. Many other Medi-Cal-covered services will continue.

What is NOT changing?

Impacted members will continue to have full-scope Medi-Cal, and Fee-for-Service does not mean members have to pay for their Medi-Cal-covered care. Medi-Cal will continue to cover services, including doctor visits and checkups, emergency and urgent care, prescription medicine, specialty care, dental and vision care, mental health services, substance use treatment, transportation to medical appointments and other covered services.

What should members do now?

Members who may be affected should take the following steps before Jan. 1:

Check your immigration information. Make sure your local county Medi-Cal office has your current immigration status. If your status has changed or you believe the county does not have your most current information, be sure to provide updated information by Dec. 1 through BenefitsCal or your local county Medi-Cal office.
Talk to your doctor or clinic. Ask if they accept Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal. If they do, you can continue receiving care there. If they do not, you will need to select a provider that does.
Locate your BIC. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, impacted members will use their BIC to receive care. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, contact your county Medi-Cal office or request a replacement through BenefitsCal.
Read and respond to Medi-Cal notices, including requests for information or renewal materials, by the deadline provided.

More information is coming

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is notifying impacted Medi-Cal members about these changes. DHCS plans to send another notice in December with additional information about the transition to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal and how members can access care.

For questions about Medi-Cal coverage, call the Medi-Cal helpline at 1-800-541-5555. For questions about your case or to update your information, contact your local county Medi-Cal office.

Additional County Update News – October 1, 2026