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Home My WebLink Aboutmedi-cal-and-calfresh-faq-ada Last revised: September 14, 2026 1 Medi-Cal and CalFresh Policy Changes Frequently Asked Questions Medi-Cal and CalFresh Basics ....................................................................................... 3 • What is Medi-Cal? ........................................................................................... 3 • What is CalFresh? ........................................................................................... 3 • What is Denti-Cal? .......................................................................................... 3 • How to apply for Medi-Cal and CalFresh?.......................................................... 3 • How does retroactive Medi-Cal coverage work? ................................................. 4 • How long does it take to get Medi-Cal and CalFresh after applying? .................... 4 • How do I know the renewal date for Medi-Cal and CalFresh? .............................. 4 • How does reapplying or renewing for Medi-Cal and CalFresh work? .................... 5 • Who can help me with questions about Medi-Cal or CalFresh? ........................... 6 Policy Changes & Who They Impact ................................................................................ 6 • What changes will impact non-citizens? ........................................................... 6 • What changes will impact youth? ..................................................................... 8 • What changes will impact pregnant people? ..................................................... 8 • What changes will impact people with disabilities? ........................................... 8 • What changes will impact older adults (65 years or older)? ................................. 8 • What are the exceptions to the Medi-Cal Work Requirement? ............................. 8 • What are the exceptions to the CalFresh Work Requirement? ............................. 9 • What is the CalFresh work requirement versus work registration? ..................... 10 • Does Medi-Cal and CalFresh count towards Public Charge for non-citizens? ..... 11 Other Types of Coverages ............................................................................................ 12 • What is HealthPAC’s eligibility? ...................................................................... 12 • Can I still apply for insurance through Covered California? ............................... 12 Other Resources ......................................................................................................... 13 Definitions .................................................................................................................. 13 Last revised: September 14, 2026 2 • What is UIS? ................................................................................................. 13 • What is QNC? ............................................................................................... 13 • What is Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal vs Managed Care Medi-Cal? ......................... 14 • What is CoveredCA? ...................................................................................... 14 • What are assets and are they counted in my eligibility for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and/or CoveredCA? .............................................................................................. 14 • What is Non-MAGI? ....................................................................................... 15 • What is MAGI New Adult? .............................................................................. 15 Last revised: September 14, 2026 3 Medi-Cal and CalFresh Basics • What is Medi-Cal? o Medi-Cal is a free and low-cost public health insurance program which provides physical, mental, and dental health services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and many other groups. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. • What is CalFresh? o CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income. • What is Denti-Cal? o Also known as Medi-Cal Dental, “Denti-Cal” provides free or low-cost dental services to children and adults who receive Medi-Cal. Services covered by “Denti-Cal” include: ▪ Exams and x-rays ▪ Cleanings ▪ Fluoride treatments ▪ Emergency services ▪ Tooth removal ▪ Fillings and crowns ▪ Root canal treatments ▪ Scaling and root planing ▪ Periodontal maintenance ▪ Complete and partial dentures ▪ Denture relines ▪ Orthodontics (braces) for children who qualify o To find “Denti-Cal” providers near you, go to www.smilecalifornia.org/find-a- dentist/ • How do I apply for Medi-Cal and CalFresh? o You can apply for Medi-Cal and CalFresh in person, online, by mail or by telephone. o In-Person: Alameda County Social Services Agency’s offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. o Online: www.BenefitsCal.com Last revised: September 14, 2026 4 o Mail: To request a Medi-Cal application to mail in and for an instructions booklet, please call 510 272-3663 or 1-800-698-1118 (toll free). You may access the Medi-Cal Printable Application or Medi-Cal translated forms online. You may also access the printable CalFresh application (CF 285) or CalFresh translated forms online. Fill-and-print PDF forms may be completed online and printed, signed, and mailed. o Telephone: call Social Services Agency at 510-272-3663 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). o Other options: ▪ Health Insurance Technicians: You can be screened and enrolled at the Enrollment Assistance Department of Alameda County by calling 1-800-422-9495 or emailing hitassist@acgov.org. ▪ Public Health Front Door: You can be screened and enrolled by Alameda County Public Health Front door by calling 1-510-557-7080 or emailing PreEligibilityUnit@acgov.org. ▪ Certified Enrollment Counselors: Click here for enrollment help near you. • How does retroactive Medi-Cal coverage work? o Before January 1, 2027, you can be reimbursed for medical expenses up to 3 months prior to your Medi-Cal start date. You must submit the MC 210A form to request this reimbursement via www.BenefitsCal.com, in person at the Alameda County Social Services Agency’s offices, or via the mail to Alameda County Social Services Agency office. o After January 1, 2027, retroactive coverage will change accordingly: ▪ Adults ages 19 to 64 without children: 1 month of retroactive coverage ▪ All other members: 2 months of retroactive coverage • How long does it take to get Medi-Cal and CalFresh after applying? o Medi-Cal: 45 days after the date of your application, or 90 days if the basis of your eligibility is a disability. If you are found eligible, your health insurance will be effective as of the first of the month you applied (even if you don’t have your insurance card). o CalFresh: 30 days after the date of your application, or 3 days if you meet certain requirements (less than $150 gross monthly income and less than $100 of liquid assets, monthly housing costs are more than income, or resident or waiting list for domestic violence shelter). • How do I know my renewal date for Medi-Cal and CalFresh? Last revised: September 14, 2026 5 o You can check your renewal date on www.BenefitsCal.com or by contacting the Alameda County Social Services Agency: ▪ In-Person: Alameda County Social Services Agency’s offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ▪ Telephone: call Alameda County Social Services Agency at 510-272- 3663 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). o Before March 1, 2027: Your renewal date is 12 months after the first day of Medi-Cal o After March 1, 2027: Your renewal date is 6 months after the first day of Medi- Cal. ▪ Your renewal date will stay 12 months if you are: • A former foster youth under age 26 and who was in foster care on your 18th birthday • Pregnant and for one year after your pregnancy ends • Alaska Native or American Indian Members • How does reapplying or renewing for Medi-Cal and CalFresh work? o You can reapply or renew for Medi-Cal and CalFresh the same ways you apply for these benefits: ▪ In-Person: Alameda County Social Services Agency’s offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ▪ Online: www.BenefitsCal.com ▪ Mail: To request a Medi-Cal application to mail in and Instructions booklet, please call 510 272-3663 or 1-800-698-1118 (toll free). You may also click here for a Medi-Cal Printable Application. Medi-Cal translated forms are available online. This is the printable CalFresh application (CF 285). CalFresh translated forms are available online. Fill-and-print PDF forms may be completed online and printed to hardcopy to be signed and mailed. ▪ Telephone: call the Alameda County Social Services Agency at 510- 272-3663 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). ▪ Other options: • Health Insurance Technicians: call 1-800-422-9495 or email hitassist@acgov.org. • Public Health Front Door: call 1-510-557-7080 or email PreEligibilityUnit@acgov.org • Certified Enrollment Counselors: Click here for enrollment help near you. Last revised: September 14, 2026 6 • Who can help me with questions about Medi-Cal or CalFresh? o In-person: Alameda County Social Services Agency’s offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. o Telephone: call the Alameda County Social Services Agency at 510-272- 3663 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). o Health Insurance Technicians: call 1-800-422-9495 or email hitassist@acgov.org. o Public Health Front Door: call 1-510-557-7080 or email PreEligibilityUnit@acgov.org Policy Changes & Who They Impact • What changes will impact non-citizens? o There are several policy changes that only impact people who are non- citizens: ▪ January 1, 2026: Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) enrollment freeze • People with UIS who are 19 years or older can keep their full- scope Medi-Cal as long as enrolled before January 1, 2026, and continue to stay enrolled without lapsing. • See “What is UIS?” below ▪ April 1, 2026: Qualified Non-Citizens no longer eligible from CalFresh, no matter age or pregnancy status. • See “What is QNC?” below. ▪ January 1, 2027: Transition to Fee-for-Service for people with UIS and QNC, no matter age or pregnancy status. • See “What is Fee-for-Service vs Managed Care Medi-Cal?” • See “What is UIS?” below • See “What is QNC?” below. ▪ July 1, 2027: People with UIS who are 19-59 years old must pay a monthly fee to maintain their Medi-Cal. ▪ July 1, 2027: People with UIS who are 19 years or older will only have emergency Denti-Cal. • See “What is Denti-Cal?” o The following changes impact everyone, no matter their immigration status: ▪ January 1, 2026: For those who have a disability, are 65 years or older, or living in a nursing home, they must have less than $130,000 in assets for one person or $65,000 for every additional person. Last revised: September 14, 2026 7 ▪ January 1, 2027: Medical bills from before your insurance started can be paid for by Medi-Cal. Before, medical bills could be paid for 3 months before your Medi-Cal started. After January 1, 2027: • People aged 19–64 without children: 1 month before your Medi-Cal started • Everyone else: 2 months before your Medi-Cal started ▪ January 1, 2027: Adults may need to work, volunteer, or be in school to keep Medi-Cal. • People 19-64 who are not pregnant may need to work, volunteer, or be in school to keep their Medi-Cal • Requirement, at least: o Income ($580/month) o Hours (80 hours/month) o Enrolled in part-time school o Or combination of above • There are many exceptions, including: o Former foster youth o Receiving CalFresh benefits and must also meet CalFresh work requirements o In a drug addiction or alcohol treatment o and more ▪ March 1, 2027: Adults will need to renew their Medi-Cal every six (6) months • Before Mar 1: Renew their Medi-Cal every 12 months • After Mar 1: People 19-64 who are not pregnant will need to renew their Medi-Cal every 6 months • This does not apply to: o Pregnant, and for one year after your pregnancy ends o Former foster youth under age 26 and who was in foster care on your 18th birthday o Alaska Native or American Indian Members ▪ October 1, 2028: You might have to pay a small fee for some health care, like seeing a specialist doctor (like a cardiologist or dermatologist) and getting certain treatments or tests. ▪ July 1, 2027: People who are 65 years or older, have a disability, or living in a nursing home need to have less than $21,000 in assets for one person or $10,000 for every additional person. Last revised: September 14, 2026 8 • What changes will impact youth? o Changes do not affect children and youth aged 18 and under. As long as the child’s family still meets the income requirements, they can keep their Medi- Cal benefit, no matter their immigration status. The Medi-Cal income threshold for children 18 years or younger is higher than for those who are not a child. Check with an eligibility specialist to see if you qualify. • What changes will impact pregnant people? o Changes do not affect pregnant people or people who are 12-months post- partum, no matter the outcome of the birth. As long as the person is pregnant and/or up to one year post-partum, they can continue apply for or keep Medi-Cal benefits, no matter immigration status. The Medi-Cal income threshold for pregnant or post-partum people is higher than for those who are not pregnant. Check with an eligibility specialist to see if you qualify. • What changes will impact people with disabilities? o People with disabilities will be impacted by the asset limit change. Other policy changes will not impact them. o Starting January 1, 2026: For those who have a disability, are 65 years or older, or living in a nursing home, they must have less than $130,000 in assets for one person or $65,000 for every additional person. o Starting January 1, 2027: For these same individuals, they must have less than $21,000 in assets for one person or $10,000 for every additional person. • What changes will impact older adults (65 years or older)? o People who are 65 years or older will be impacted by the asset limit change. Other policy changes will not impact them. o Starting January 1, 2026: For those who have a disability, are 65 years or older, or living in a nursing home, they must have less than $130,000 in assets for one person or $65,000 for every additional person. o Starting July 1, 2027: For these same individuals, they must have less than $21,000 in assets for one person or $10,000 for every additional person. • What are the exceptions to the Medi-Cal Work Requirement? o Medi-Cal work requirements do NOT apply to: ▪ 18 years or younger ▪ 65 years or older ▪ American Indians or Alaska Natives ▪ Disabled veterans Last revised: September 14, 2026 9 ▪ Entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or B ▪ Former foster youth ▪ In jail or prison or recently released from jail or prison within the last 90 days ▪ Medically frail or other special medical needs that impairs ability to work, volunteer, or go to school ▪ Parent, guardian, caretaker, relative, or family caregiver of a disabled individual ▪ Parents or guardians of a dependent child age 13 or younger ▪ Participating in drug/alcohol treatment programs ▪ Pregnant or 12 months postpartum (regardless of birth outcome) ▪ Receiving CalFresh benefits and not exempt to CalFresh work requirements • What are the exceptions to the CalFresh Work Requirement? o CalFresh work requirements do NOT apply to: ▪ Under age 18 or over age 64. ▪ A parent or responsible for a dependent child under the age of 14. ▪ You are 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. ▪ Unable to work because you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or a victim of domestic violence or experiencing chronic homelessness. The condition must be tied to 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 (Alpine County, Colusa County, Imperial County, Merced County, Monterey County, Plumas County, and Tulare County). ▪ Meet an exception to the general CalFresh work registration: • Caring for a dependent child under age 6 (they do not have to live with you) • Caring for a person with a disability (they do not have to live with you) Last revised: September 14, 2026 10 • Getting or applying for unemployment benefits • Disabled • Meeting the work rules for another program, like CalWORKs • Getting or applying for disability benefits from any source (disability benefits include, but are not limited to pensions, workers’ compensation, disability insurance, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and veteran’s benefits) • In a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program • What is the CalFresh work requirement versus work registration? o The CalFresh work requirement (also known as ABAWD Work Requirement) is the policy that went into effect June 1, 2026, and it applies to people ages 18 to 64, who do not have a dependent child under 14 years old, and are able to work. If the work requirement applies to you, you will need to have a job, volunteer, or be enrolled in school or a job training program. If you’re working, you must work an average of 20 hours per week or earn an average of $217.50 per week before taxes. If you’re in school or a training program, you must have total class time of 20 hours per week or be enrolled at least half-time. ▪ The CalFresh work requirement DOES NOT apply to: • Under age 18 or over age 64. • A parent or responsible for a dependent child under the age of 14. • You are 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. • Unable to work because you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or a victim of domestic violence or experiencing chronic homelessness. The condition must be tied to 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 (Alpine County, Colusa County, Imperial County, Merced County, Monterey County, Plumas County, and Tulare County). Last revised: September 14, 2026 11 • Meet an exception to the general CalFresh work registration – see below list. o CalFresh work registration (sometimes also referred to as General CalFresh work requirement) applies to people who are 16 to 59 years old who are able to work. If you are subject to work registration rules you must take a suitable job if offered and not voluntarily quit a job or reduce your work hours below 30 hours each week without a good reason if you are working. However, there is no requirement to work. ▪ CalFresh work registration DOES NOT apply to: • Younger than age 16, or age 60 or older. • Caring for a dependent child under age 6 (they do not have to live with you). • Caring for a person with a disability (they do not have to live with you). • Earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes or working at least 30 hours a week. • Getting or applying for unemployment benefits. • Getting or applying for disability benefits from any source (disability benefits include, but are not limited to pensions, workers’ compensation, disability insurance, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and veteran’s benefits). • Disabled. • Going to school, college, or a training program at least half- time (additional student eligibility rules may apply). • Meeting the work rules for another program, like CalWORKs. • In a drug or alcohol abuse treatment program • Does Medi-Cal and CalFresh count towards Public Charge for non-citizens? o The public charge test is a review by government officials to determine if certain immigrants are likely to primarily depend on the government for support in the future. This applies only to: ▪ Individuals applying for permanent residence in the United States (Green Card); or ▪ A visa to enter the U.S.; or ▪ A green card holder who leaves the U.S. for more than 6 months o Starting on September 18, 2026, certain benefits, such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh, can be considered during the public charge test, along with other factors. Federal immigration officers will have more discretion and decision- Last revised: September 14, 2026 12 making ability when it comes to taking into account which public benefits will be considered. Other Types of Coverages • What can I do if I become ineligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California? o HealthPAC (Health Program of Alameda County) is a free or low-cost health program that covers similar services as Medi-Cal. It is delivered through specific clinics or hospitals. ▪ Eligibility: • Resident of Alameda County • 19 years or older • Family income at or below 200% FPL • Not being eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal or other health insurance ▪ How to apply: • Call 1-800-422-9495 or go to an enrollment site • Bring proof of identity, residence, and income o Free or low-cost health services can be accessed through the clinics that are Federally Qualified Health Centers, which include all those in the Alameda Health Consortium and Alameda Health System. • Can I still apply for insurance through Covered California? o Yes, many can still receive insurance through Covered California. When applying for insurance through Covered California, you are screened for both private insurance and Medi-Cal. o However, not everyone is eligible for Covered California insurance: people who are not lawfully present do not qualify for Covered California. However, they can use the Covered California application to see if they are eligible for other programs, such as Medi-Cal. o Families that include immigrants (mixed status family) can apply. Only people who are applying for insurance need to meet the eligibility criteria for Covered California. o You can also apply for your child even if you don’t qualify. Applying for your eligible child won’t affect your immigration status or chances of becoming a permanent resident or citizen. Last revised: September 14, 2026 13 Other Resources • What resources can be shared with community members? o Resources can be found on Alameda County Health’s website. Definitions • What is UIS? o UIS (Unsatisfactory Immigration Status) refers to individuals who do not fit in one of these categories: US citizen or national, or meet one of the immigration categories (Asylee, refugee, green card holder, etc.). It can also refer to those with no immigration status (“undocumented”). • What is QNC? o QNC (Qualified Non-Citizen for Medi-Cal) is a legal immigration status that qualifies an individual for full-scope Medi-Cal. o Beginning July 1, 2027, the following categories will no longer be considered Qualified Non-Citizens (QNCs): ▪ Amerasian Immigrant ▪ Asylee ▪ Battered non-citizen, or parent or child of a battered non-citizen, exempt from or has met the 5-year waiting period ▪ Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau ▪ Conditional Entrant (granted before April 1980) ▪ Cuban/Haitian Entrant ▪ Filed for a U visa (including derivative spouse, child, sibling, or parent) ▪ Granted a Victim of Trafficking visa (T visa), or certified by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a trafficking survivor, or spouse, child, sibling, or parent ▪ Granted U visa or U non-immigrant visa (including derivative spouse, child, sibling, or parent) ▪ Granted withholding of deportation or removal ▪ Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR/Green Card holder) exempt from or has met the 5-year waiting period ▪ Paroled into the United States for one year or more, exempt from or has met the 5-year waiting period ▪ Pending application for a Victim of Trafficking visa (T visa), or taking steps to apply for a T visa or for certification by HHS (including derivative spouse, child, sibling, or parent) ▪ Refugee Last revised: September 14, 2026 14 • What is Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal vs Managed Care Medi-Cal? o On January 1, 2026, certain non-citizens will move from Managed Care Medi- Cal to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal. More information can be found the DHCS’ Fee-for-Service Transition page. o Managed Care Medi-Cal is operated by health insurance plans, such as Alameda Alliance for Health and Kaiser Permanente in Alameda County. Managed Care Medi-Cal covers physical and mental health services, Enhanced Care Management, Community Supports, and complex case management services. Those who have Managed Care Medi-Cal have a membership card. o Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal is state-operated health insurance that covers the same physical and mental health services as Managed Care Medi-Cal. However, those with Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal do not have access to Enhanced Care Management, Community Supports, and complex case management services. Additionally, people with this type of Medi-Cal do not have a membership card; they only possess a Benefits Identification Card. • What is CoveredCA? o An insurance marketplace for the state of California established by the ACA (Affordable Care Act or otherwise known as “ObamaCare”). If you do not qualify for Medi-Cal because of income, you can purchase health insurance from Covered California. It may be subsidized depending on income and family size. • What are assets and are they counted in my eligibility for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and/or CoveredCA? o Assets are NOT counted in your eligibility determination for CalFresh or CoveredCA . o Assets are counted in your eligibility determination for Medi-Cal if you are 65 years or older, have a disability, or living in a nursing home. For everyone else, assets are not counted in your Medi-Cal eligibility. o Assets that are counted include: ▪ Bank accounts ▪ Cash ▪ Second vehicles ▪ Second homes o Assets that are not counted include: ▪ Your main home (where you live) ▪ Your main vehicle Last revised: September 14, 2026 15 ▪ Household items (furniture/clothes) ▪ Retirement funds o How can I transfer assets without losing coverage? ▪ You can give away or sell assets without losing Medi-Cal if you: • Give them to your spouse or someone helping your spouse. • Give them to your blind or disabled child. • Sell them for their full value. ▪ Ask your county Medi-Cal office for help with safe ways to transfer your assets. • What is Non-MAGI? o Non-MAGI (Non-Modified Adjusted Gross Income) is a category of Medi-Cal recipients who are 65 years or older, have a disability, or are in a nursing home. People who qualify for Medi-Cal under this category do not have to meet the same income requirements as other Medi-Cal applicants. • What is MAGI New Adult? o MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) refers to the group of adults that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medi-Cal to in 2014 who meet the following criteria: ▪ aged 19 to 64; and ▪ not pregnant; and ▪ income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level; and ▪ not entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or B