Important Changes to Medi-Cal
To keep your Medi Cal benefits, it’s important to stay informed and act quickly when you’re contacted. Opening your mail, updating your contact information, and reporting changes right away can help prevent delays or loss of coverage.
Make sure your contact information is up to date and take fast action to keep your benefits!
When you get mail from San Mateo County Human Services Agency or the California Department of Health Care Services
- Open the mail, read it carefully and respond as soon as you can
- Fill out the form and include any documents (pay stubs, etc.) and return themby the due date.
- If you miss the due date, make sure you still send the information. The information may still be accepted within 90 days.
If your address or phone number changes
- Update your information online: Visit benefitscal.com. Don’t have an account? Sign up right away.
- Or call San Mateo County Human Services Agency (HSA)
1-800-223-8383
TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or 7-1-1
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If your immigration status changes
- Report the change to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Call 1-800-541-5555.
- Find a DHCS office near you
Providing access to healthcare services for our members is our top priority. HPSM protects personal information of all members. We comply with all privacy laws. Learn more about HPSM's Privacy Policy.
What to Know
Between 2026 and 2028 Medi-Cal will undergo a series of changes. Most members will keep the same health benefits. However, some new rules may affect certain people based on age, income, disability or immigration status. These updates include changes to eligibility checks, enrollment rules and some benefits. It is vital to review the changes in case some apply to you and your family.
Most HPSM Medi-Cal members will not see changes and can keep using their healthcare benefits like usual. Learn about all changes from DHCS
Timeline of Medi-Cal changes
January 2026
- Asset checks: some older adults and people with disabilities may need to report what they own.
- Enrollment freeze: some adults may not be able to sign up due to their immigration status.
July 2026
- Dental coverage: changes for some members due to immigration status.
October 2026
- Immigration status: changes in federal rules may affect Medi‑Cal eligibility.
January 2027
- Renewal every six months: most adults ages 19-64 who do not have disabilities or children younger than 19 will need to renew their Medi-Cal every six months instead of every year.
- New work/school/community service rule: most adults ages 19-64 who are able to work will be required to work, do community service or attend school at least 80 hours each month. Exceptions apply.
- Less time for help paying old medical bills: adults ages 19-64 who don’t have children 18 or younger, Medi-Cal will only pay for one month of past bills. For all others, Medi-Cal will pay up to two months of past bills.
July 2027
- Monthly premium: Medi-Cal recipients ages 19–59 who are undocumented or have a temporary immigration status will need to pay a $30 monthly premium per person on the Medi-Cal case. A Medi-Cal case is an active file or enrollment record for an individual or family.