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Medi-Cal Changes & Renewal Assistance

Keep Your Medi-Cal Coverage: What Should I Do?

Changes to Medi-Cal are taking place across California. Some members may need to take action to maintain their coverage, while others may experience changes to eligibility or benefits. MCCAA is sharing this information to help Merced County residents stay informed. MCCAA does not process Medi-Cal applications, renewals, or eligibility decisions

How to Keep Your Medi-Cal

What's Changing?

Most members will have no changes to their plan as long as all renewal paperwork is turned in timely. If any of these changes may affect you please reach out to your local Medi-Cal office for additional details. 
New Enrollment Changes*
New enrollment for full-scope Medi-Cal will no longer be available for certain adults age 19+ based on immigration status and not pregnant. 

*If you had full-scope Medi-Cal on or before December 31, 2025, and continue to complete your renewals on time, your coverage may continue.
Asset Reviews Return
Asset reviews return for some Medi-Cal programs, including certain seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those receiving long-term care services.
90-Day Reinstatement Period
If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal and lose coverage because of a missed renewal or paperwork issue, you may have up to 90 days to complete the required steps and restore your coverage.
Dental Benefit Changes 
Adult dental benefits will change for some Medi-Cal members based on immigration status. Emergency dental services will remain available.
More Frequent Renewals
Some Medi-Cal members may be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of annually.
Immigration Status Classification Changes
Federal changes to immigration status categories may affect eligibility for some Medi-Cal members. Additional guidance will be released closer to implementation.
Work and Community Engagement Requirements (New)
Some adults ages 19–64 may be required to work, attend school, participate in job training, or complete volunteer/community service activities to keep Medi-Cal coverage. Exemptions apply for many individuals, including seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, and certain parents and caregivers.

Additional guidance will be provided by Medi-Cal before implementation. See most up to date information below.
Additional Updates Expected
More information about future Medi-Cal changes will be announced as it becomes available.
Upcoming Medi-Cal Changes DHCS
*Note: the October 2026 six-month renewals and potential 2027 work requirements are tied to federal implementation and guidance that is still evolving. Please click the link above for most up to date guidance.
Central california alliance for health
Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance) is our local managed care health plan for people who have Medi-Cal. The Alliance provides health care to people who live in Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.

Quick Action Guide

Download Guide Here

FAQ: Which Situation Applies to Me? 

I moved or changed my phone number
My income or household changed
I received a renewal Packet
I missed my deadline
I lost Medi-Cal coverage
I need help
If you moved, changed your mailing address, or phone number you need to update your contact information with your county Medi-Cal office as soon as possible so you don’t miss important notices.
3 Ways to Update Information:
Update your information online
Update Information Here
Visit your local Medi-Cal office
Find Local Medi-Cal Office
  • Atwater
    2115 Wardrobe Ave.
    Merced, CA 95341
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
  • Merced
    2115 Wardrobe Ave.
    Merced, CA 95341
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
  • Los Banos
    947 W. Pacheco Blvd. Ste C
    Los Banos, CA 93635
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
Report changes right away to make sure your eligibility is correct and up to date.

Income Requirements & Changes

Household Requirements & Changes

Some situations change how your household is counted:

    • If you are pregnant
    • If you are a child under 19
    • If you are applying through disability or long-term care Medi-Cal
    • If you do not file taxes
A full list of requirements can be found HERE

If you need to make updates or have questions:

Update your information online
Update Information Here
Visit your local Medi-Cal office
Find Local Medi-Cal Office
  • Atwater
    2115 Wardrobe Ave.
    Merced, CA 95341
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
  • Merced
    2115 Wardrobe Ave.
    Merced, CA 95341
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
  • Los Banos
    947 W. Pacheco Blvd. Ste C
    Los Banos, CA 93635
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM

Complete and return your renewal by the deadline to avoid a gap in coverage. You will have up to 90 days to complete the renewal, but it can take time for your renewal paperwork to process. Therefore, it is encouraged to complete ASAP. 

You can submit your renewal here:
https://www.benefitscal.com

If you need help, contact your County office.

Find Local Medi-Cal Office
Atwater
2115 Wardrobe Ave.
Merced, CA 95341
Monday–Friday
8AM to 5PM
Merced
2115 Wardrobe Ave.
Merced, CA 95341
Monday–Friday
8AM to 5PM
Los Banos
947 W. Pacheco Blvd. Ste C
Los Banos, CA 93635
Monday–Friday
8AM to 5PM
They may regularly encounter high call volumes and wait times at their offices and recommend utilizing BenefitsCal.com for both Medi-Cal applications and renewals.

Did you miss your renewal Deadline?

Contact your county office immediately. You may still be able to restore your coverage depending on your situation.

Start Here:

More Information: 

Did you lose Medi-Cal coverage?

You may still have options to reapply or restore coverage.

Check your status or reapply:

Official Medi-cal website for updates or questions: 

Free help is available to understand Medi-Cal, renewals, and eligibility.
Update your information online
Renew Online
Visit your local Medi-Cal office
Find Local Medi-Cal Office
  • Atwater
    2115 Wardrobe Ave.
    Merced, CA 95341
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
  • Merced
    2115 Wardrobe Ave.
    Merced, CA 95341
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM
  • Los Banos
    947 W. Pacheco Blvd. Ste C
    Los Banos, CA 93635
    Monday–Friday
    8AM to 5PM

Other Resources

Merced County Community Action Agency (MCCAA) is committed to connecting residents with reliable information and community resources. While MCCAA does not administer Medi-Cal benefits, we encourage residents to stay informed and respond promptly to any notices regarding their coverage. 

Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance) is our local managed care health plan for people who have Medi-Cal. The Alliance provides health care to people who live in Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.
Important Reminder
Many Medi-Cal members will not lose coverage, but it is important to:

✔ Keep your contact information updated

✔ Open and read all Medi-Cal mail

✔ Respond to requests for information promptly

✔ Complete renewal paperwork when requested

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