Public assistance programs are undergoing significant changes. At 211 San Diego, our role is to help simplify that process.

We are a nonprofit organization and do not manage any government programs or determine eligibility.

When you call 2-1-1, we provide clear information about program rules, offer screenings to see if you’re “likely” eligible, and guide you through your options to apply.

Medi-Cal (Medicaid)

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to Californians with low income. Between 2026 and 2027, federal and state policy changes will introduce new requirements for adults, older adults, and certain immigrant groups.

Adults (Aged 19–64) — New Federal Work Rules

Effective January 1, 2027, new federal law (H.R. 1) requires adults who receive Medi-Cal through the “Expansion” group (based on income) to meet a work requirement to keep their health insurance.

Your county Medi-Cal office will send you a letter to let you know if you must comply with work requirements, or if other information is needed from you to demonstrate that you meet one of these exemptions.

80 Hour Requirement

• Members must do one or more of the following:
  • Work at a job and get paid.
    • Earn at least $580 a month from working.
    • Be a seasonal worker (someone who only works during certain times of the year) and make an average of $580 a month over the last six months.
  • Be in a job training program (that helps you learn skills to get a job) for at least 80 hours per month.
  • Volunteer or do community service for at least 80 hours per month. This should be organized and something you can prove you did with a letter or form.
  • Go to school at least half-time. This usually means taking two or three classes or about six to eight credits each semester.
  • Do a mix of the things listed above for a total of at least 80 hours per month, or at least $580 per month.
• If you are required to work or volunteer under these new rules and do not meet the rules, you could lose your Medi-Cal.
• When you get a letter from Medi-Cal, open it right away and respond quickly to show how you are meeting the work rules.
• Medi-Cal will send more information before this rule starts, including ways to help you meet the rules.

Six-Month Eligibility Checks

Starting January 1, 2027, Medi-Cal members who are Adults (age 19-64) who receive Expanded Medi-Cal, which uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), will have their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once.

Reduced Retroactive Coverage

Medi-Cal will only pay for 1 month of past medical bills (previously 3 months) for new applicants who are Adults (age 19-64) without children (0-18). If this applies to you, Medi-Cal will send you a letter. For all others, Medi-Cal will pay for two months of past bills

Copayments

Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Medi-Cal may have to pay a small fee (called a copayment) for certain services.

Older Adults & People With Disabilities

Starting January 1, 2026, when you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal, the government will look at what you own. This is called an asset check. Assets are things you own that have value.

Asset Limit Test

• The most you can own (asset limit) is $130,000 for one person.
• You can add $65,000 for every extra person in your family. The maximum is 10 people.
• Assets that count include:
  • Bank accounts
  • Cash
  • More than one house or vehicle
• Assets that don’t count include:
  • The home you live in
  • One Vehicle
  • Household items
  • Some savings, like retirement accounts
• If you have Medi-Cal that requires an asset test, we look at what you own every year when you renew.
• The income rules for Medi-Cal have not changed.

Adult Immigrant Coverage Changes

Federal and state policy shifts have introduced new restrictions and costs for non-citizens ages 19 and older.

Enrollment Freeze

Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status.

• If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can stay covered no matter your immigration status.
• To keep your Medi-Cal, you must:
  • Fill out your renewal form as required
  • Meet Medi-Cal eligibility rules (like income and living in California)
• Renew your benefits on time.
• If your Medi-Cal ends, you will have a three-month grace period from the last date of eligibility provided on your Notice of Action, to reenroll into full scope Medi-Cal.

If you do not re-enroll by the end of the three-month grace period, you must reapply for Medi-Cal. You will be eligible only for restricted scope Medi-Cal, which covers:

• Emergency care
• Pregnancy-related care
• Nursing home care

Dental Coverage

Starting July 1, 2026, some Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services as part of their Medi-Cal coverage. Please see these Frequently Asked Questions for more information. See Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you are subject to changes to Dental Coverage.

• You can still get care for emergency dental needs, including:
  • Serious tooth pain
  • Infections
  • Tooth extractions
• You will also get full-scope dental if:
  • You are a former foster youth under age 26 who was in foster care on your 18th birthday, or
  • You are pregnant (and you will get it for one year after your pregnancy ends)

Immigration Status Changes

Starting October 1, 2026, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses (your legal standing in the U.S. based on how and why you came here). Details on how this policy will be implemented in California will be available soon.

Monthly Premiums

Starting July 1, 2027, Medi-Cal Members without satisfactory immigration status (SIS) receiving full-scope Medi-Cal will need to pay a small monthly fee (called a premium) to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal. See Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you must pay Monthly Premiums.

• If this change applies to you, you will need to pay a small fee each month to keep your full Medi-Cal.
• If you don’t pay, your Medi-Cal will be changed to restricted scope Medi-Cal.
• You will only get restricted Medi-Cal, which covers:
  • Emergency care
  • Pregnancy-related care
  • Nursing home care

CalFresh (SNAP)

Known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh provides monthly food benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help households purchase groceries and fresh food. Eligibility rules and requirements are changing for some individuals. Changes are categorized below based on who is impacted.

Immigrant Eligibility Changes April 1

Starting April 1, 2026, federal law is changing who qualifies for CalFresh. Many lawfully present immigrants who are currently eligible will lose access to benefits.

When do these changes happen?

• New Applicants: If you apply on or after April 1, 2026, the new rules apply immediately.
• Current Recipients: You will keep your benefits until your next scheduled Recertification (Renewal) on or after April 1, 2026.

Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Reinstated & Expanded Requirements

Effective June 1, 2026, federal work rules will return to California. These rules apply to individuals categorized as ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents). If you are an ABAWD, you are limited to only 3 months of benefits in a 3-year period unless you meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption.

Who is considered an ABAWD?

You are generally considered an ABAWD if you meet ALL of the following:

• You are between the ages of 18 and 64.
• You do not have a disability that prevents you from working.
• You do not have a dependent child under age 14 living in your home.

You may be excused from the ABAWD work requirement if you are:

• • Under age 18 or over age 64
  • A parent or responsible for a dependent child under the age of 14
  • You are aged 18-59 and have been excused from the general CalFresh work requirements
  • Unable to work at least 20 hours per week or a total of 80 hours or more per month because of a physical or mental health issue.
  • Pregnant (any stage of pregnancy).
  • Identify as an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA).
  • Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program for at least half-time.
  • Living in an area where the ABAWD work requirement is waived. Please note that the County of San Diego does NOT have a waiver for the ABAWD requirement.