Medi-Cal FAQ
Upcoming Medi-Cal Program Changes
Asset (Property/Resource) Limits
Beginning January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will again consider assets (value of property/resources owned by an individual) when reviewing Medi-Cal eligibility for seniors and people with disabilities as part of the Medi-Cal application and annual renewal process. The asset limit will be $130,000 per person plus $65,000 for each additional household member up to 10 members. An example of the asset limit for a household of 2 is $195,000, the assets value must be under the $195,000 to meet the asset limit requirement for Medi-Cal eligibility.
Full Scope Medi-Cal Enrollment Freeze for Undocumented Members 19 years of age and older
For any new Medi-Cal application received on or after January 1, 2026, when an individual is not a United States Citizen or does not meet Satisfactory Immigration Status but meets all other Medi-Cal requirements they will be granted restricted (emergency and/or pregnancy services) Medi-Cal.
For individuals already enrolled in full scope Medi-Cal prior to January 1, 2026, you will continue to be covered on full scope Medi-Cal if you meet all other Medi-Cal requirements and comply with the annual renewal process. For this group beginning July 1, 2026, your Medi-Cal coverage will no longer include dental coverage. Emergency dental care such as treatment for severe pain or infection and tooth extractions will still be covered after the dental coverage loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults who are California residents with limited income.
Who Can Get Medi-Cal?
You may automatically be eligible for Medi-Cal if you receive cash assistance under one of the following programs:
- SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Program)
- CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
- Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program
Even if you don't receive cash assistance, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal if you are one of the following:
- Adult with or without children
- Blind or disabled
- Diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
- In a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility
- Refugee with a limited period of eligibility. Adult refugees may or may not be eligible depending upon how long they have been in the U.S.
- Parent or caretaker relative of a child under 21
What are the Citizenship/Immigration requirements for Medi-Cal?
All individuals who meet all other Medi-Cal eligibility requirements may be eligible to full-scope benefits, regardless of citizenship or immigration status until January 1, 2026.
What are Asset (Property/Resource) Limits?
Asset limits are eliminated between January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. Any individual requesting Medi-Cal benefits for January 2024 up to December 31, 2025, property limits will not be required to be met for an eligibility determination.
For individuals requesting any of the Non-Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal programs, listed below, for any months prior to January 2024 and on or after January 1, 2025, they must meet the asset (property/resource) limits.
- Aged. Blind, Disabled (ABD) Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Programs
- 250 Percent Working Disabled Program (WDP)
- Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
- Home and Community-Based Alternative Services (HCBS) Waiver Programs
- Medically Needy Programs
- Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Qualified Working Disabled Individual (QWDI)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
Assets include but are no limited to bank accounts, cash, second house, second vehicle, bonds, stocks, boats, trailers and land.
The asset limits prior to January 1, 2024 and on or after January 1, 2026, are based on the number of individuals in your Medi-Cal household.
|
Number of Persons
|
Property Limit
|
| 1 |
$130,000 |
| Each additional person up to 10 |
Add $65,000 |
How do I Access Services for Child Health and Disability Preventions?
Medi-Cal households can obtain services for periodic child health assessments, referrals to other providers, care coordination and assistance with medical appointment scheduling, transportation, and access to diagnostic and treatment from their selected Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (Anthem Blue Cross, CalVIVA, or Kaiser).
For assistance, the managed care plans can be contacted by phone at the designated numbers below:
For Medi-Cal members currently in receipt of Fee-for-service Medi-Cal (no managed care plan), for assistance with finding a provider for periodic child health assessments or referrals you may contact the Department of Health Care Services Medi-Cal Member Help Line at 1-800-541-5555 or online at www.dhcs.ca.gov/myMedi-Cal. If you are interested in obtaining the enhanced services offered only by the managed care plans, such as care coordination and transportation to medical appointments, you may contact Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 to enroll into a managed care plan.
How Do I Make Sure I Receive Important Information On My Medi-Cal Coverage?
It is important that DSS has your current contact information to ensure your receive all pertinent information on how to maintain your benefits. If your contact information or household circumstances have changed, please update your information as soon as possible by contacting DSS in one of the following ways:
Online: BenefitsCal.com
Mail: Fresno County Department of Social Services P.O. BOX 1912 Fresno, CA 93718
Fax: (559) 600-7706
How Do I Apply For Medi-Cal in Fresno County?
Why Did I receive a Medi-Cal Renewal Form?
An annual renewal of Medi-Cal benefits must be completed every 12 months. 60 days before the end of the 12 months, Medi-Cal individuals will receive a renewal form and/or a request for information by mail from DSS. Medi-Cal individuals who receive the renewal form and/or request for additional information from DSS will be required to return the form and/or information by the specified due date. You may return the form and/or information online, by mail, or fax. If you have any questions about your renewals, please contact Fresno County DSS using one of the methods listed below:
- Online: BenefitsCal.com
- Mail: Fresno County Department of Social Services PO BOX 1912 Fresno CA 93718
- Fax: 559-600-7706
- Automated system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free: 1 (877) 600-1377
- Speak to a Worker Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: (559) 600-1377 or 1-855-832-8082 (toll free)