ORANGE, Calif. (December 29, 2025) — With major changes coming to Medi-Cal starting January 1, 2026, CalOptima Health is urging Orange County residents to learn about how they may be impacted, and encouraging all who are currently eligible but not yet enrolled to apply before the new year. Among the changes are updated eligibility requirements, reinstatement of asset limits for a relatively small group of beneficiaries, and specific documentation needed to maintain coverage.
Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides essential health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including children, adults, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant individuals. While Medi-Cal remains a cornerstone of accessible health care in Orange County, changes impacting eligibility for certain adults without “satisfactory” immigration status, including a freeze on new enrollments for most adults ages 19 and older who do not have satisfactory immigration status will go into effect in 2026. Those already enrolled can remain covered so long as they timely complete annual renewals and meet all eligibility requirements, however if coverage lapses, these beneficiaries will not be allowed to reapply underscoring the critical importance of fulfilling necessary filings in the new year. Children and pregnant individuals will continue to be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status.
New policies will also reinstate an asset limit for certain Medi-Cal eligibility categories starting in 2026 and change how Medi-Cal counts financial resources for older adults, people with disabilities, and those applying under non-MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules. Under these updated rules, applicants and members will need to demonstrate that their countable assets are below specified limits at the time of application or renewal in 2026. If countable assets exceed the limit and are not brought into compliance, coverage may be discontinued at renewal…