Medi-Cal Program
Government Shutdown as of October 1, 2025
CalFresh benefits are funded for October. However, if the federal government shutdown continues past October 23, November CalFresh benefits may be delayed. You can keep using your existing CalFresh benefits.
It is important to keep submitting all required paperwork (Semi-Annual Report – SAR7, renewals, and verifications) to avoid delays once funds resume.
For more information on CalFresh benefits and impacts from the federal shutdown, you may also visit the California Department of Social Services website at www.cdss.ca.gov
You can check your balance in the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
At this time, CalWORKs benefits for November are not impacted.
Medi-Cal Changes Starting January 1, 2026 – Apply Soon
Asset Limits
When you apply for or renew your Medi-Cal, we will look at what you own (assets), things that have value.
You may be affected if you:
- Are age 65 and older and meet the household income limit for Medi-Cal.
- Have a disability (physical, mental, or developmental).
- Live in a nursing home.
Medi-Cal Expansion Freeze: Some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status.
You may be affected if:
- You have an unsatisfactory immigration status (you live in the U.S. without legal permission), or
- You are a lawfully present immigrant who is 19 or older and not pregnant
Dental Coverage: Some Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services as part of their coverage due to changes in state law effective July 01, 2026.
This change affects Medi-Cal members who are:
- Age 19 or older, and
- Are not pregnant or postpartum, and
- Are lawfully present immigrants who:
- Have had a Green Card for less than five years and are not exempt from the five-year waiting period.
- Are classified as PRUCOL (Permanently Residing Under Color of Law).
- Qualify through a state-funded expansion or a humanitarian program (e.g., for victims of trafficking or crime).
- Have another immigration status that does not qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal under federal rules.
For more information, Medi-Cal Changes 2026-2028
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is Medicaid for California. If offers free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify.
For more information: Medi-Cal
How to Keep Your Medi-Cal:
- Keep your contact information updates so you don’t miss important notices.
- Watch your mail and respond quickly to Medi-Cal renewal packets or letters from social services or local health plan.
- Provide verification(s) requested by the due date.
- Report changes within 10 days such as: new employment, increase or decrease in income, birth or death, household member leaves or enters the home, tax filing status, address, and residency.
- Ask questions if you’re unsure by calling 1-877-410-8823.
Ways to apply:
- Preferred method is online at BenefitsCal
- In person at the nearest Department of Social Services, Community Benefits branch located in Salinas, King City or Seaside.
- By telephone, you may call us at 1-877-410-8823.
- By mail, complete a State of California Health Insurance Application and mail it to your nearest Department of Social Services Office. An application can be requested by phone from the Department of Social Services, please call 1-877-410-8823.
- By fax, complete a State of California Health Insurance Application and fax it to 831-784-5691.
- Application assistance is available at outreach sites throughout Monterey County. To locate an outreach worker near you please call 1-866-361-0477.
