We are preparing for changes to Medi-Cal, including new eligibility rules and benefit adjustments, that could significantly impact some of our most vulnerable residents. Below are links to California state and local resources outlining changes and what providers and clients can do to prepare for the changes rolling out in early 2026.
Stay informed and let’s work together now to ensure our community members & clients can seek and maintain coverage and secure the care they need for stability.
Upcoming changes
The San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) is the primary agency for public assistance, including food, cash, employment, and healthcare support for the City and County.
- HSA Public Benefits Changes Coming Soon. HSA encourages everyone to apply now for the benefits they need by visiting our Medi-Cal and CalFresh (food stamps) webpages or calling (415) 557-5000.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is the single state agency responsible for financing and administering CA’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, which provides health care services to low-income persons and families who meet defined eligibility requirements.
- DHCS What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know – Medi-Cal Program Changes (2026-2028)
- DHCS Medi-Cal Program Changes, What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know (2026-2027)
Health Consumer Alliance Medi-Cal Changes and What You Need to Know.
Immigration & Eligibility
Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status.
- DHCS Immigration Status and Medi-Cal Eligibility – Common immigration statuses and Medi-Cal eligibility.
- Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) has developed a resource to guide to help people through these upcoming changes. Translations: Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese(Traditional), Chinese(Simplified), Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
- HCA Privacy Information for Immigrants with Medi-Cal
Location: Gubbio Project
Webinars & Educational Opportunities
- SFHSA Benefits 101: Update on Public Benefits SFHSA Programs and Upcoming Changes on Thursday, November 13, 2025, 10:00 – 11:30 AM via Zoom. To register: https://sfhsa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KliV0fqoQPCXq3F5BtP5tg#/
- Presentation Slides: HR1, 2025 CA Budget, and Medi-Cal (with embedded links) from SF HIV FOG Open Enrollment Bootcamp XI, October 8, 2025.
DHCS Ambassadors Program
- Volunteer Information – Coverage Ambassadors are people who help people in their community find, better understand, or keep their health coverage
- Links to resources about Medi-Cal shared through the Program