If you or someone you know has Medi-Cal, there’s an important change coming in 2027 that you should be aware of and prepare for.

Renewals are moving from once a year to every six months

Starting January 1, 2027, certain Medi-Cal members will be required to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year. That means, instead of one renewal deadline to track annually, qualifying members will have two per year — missing either could result in losing coverage.

If you’re unsure whether this change applies to you, contact your county Medi-Cal office or log in to BenefitsCal.com to check your renewal status.

Why this matters

Renewing coverage twice a year makes it much harder for people to stay insured. For those balancing work, health issues, or a move, extra paperwork can create a hurdle. If a form is delayed or lost, a family can lose their health insurance instantly. This means they can’t see their doctor or get their prescriptions when they need them most.

How to stay on top of the six-month renewal Medi-Cal renewal

Here’s what you can do right now to be prepared:

• Update your contact information with your county Medi-Cal office so you receive all renewal notices on time
• Create or log into your BenefitsCal.com account to track your renewal dates and submit forms online
• Watch for the yellow envelope — your renewal form will be mailed to you approximately two months before it’s due
• Respond immediately to any mail or requests from your county Medi-Cal office — delays can cost you your coverage
• Set calendar reminders for every six months, so a deadline never sneaks up on you

When the system becomes more demanding, it’s easier for a renewal notice to be lost in the mail or for a deadline to pass unnoticed. Our goal is to ensure that a simple administrative change doesn’t stand between you and the care you deserve.

Need help keeping up with Medi-Cal renewals?

If managing more frequent Medi-Cal renewals feels overwhelming — especially for those with complex health needs — Pacific Health Group’s Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program may be able to help. 

Through ECM, qualifying members receive a dedicated Lead Care Manager (LCM) who provides personalized support, including help navigating Medi-Cal paperwork and renewal deadlines, so you never have to face the process alone.

If you or someone you know may benefit from ECM services, call Pacific Health Group at  (888) 341-4449 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com pour en savoir plus. 

More resources and assistance for Medi-Cal renewal

The following resources offer free information and assistance:

• BenefitsCal.com — Renew online, check your status, and update your information
• DHCS Website (dhcs.ca.gov) — Official information on Medi-Cal eligibility, policy changes, and health care services
• Your County Medi-Cal Office — Personalized support for renewal, appeals, and eligibility questions
• Covered California — If you lose Medi-Cal coverage, you may qualify for subsidized insurance through the state marketplace
• Community Health Centers — Many offer enrollment assistance and sliding-scale health care regardless of insurance status
• 211 California — Dial 2-1-1 for local health and social service referrals

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss my six-month Medi-Cal renewal in 2027?

If you miss your renewal deadline, your Medi-Cal coverage will be discontinued. However, you have a 90-day grace period after your coverage ends to submit your renewal paperwork and have your benefits reinstated. During this window, contact your county Medi-Cal office as soon as possible and provide any requested documentation. If you do not act within 90 days, you will need to submit a brand new Medi-Cal application — and depending on your immigration status or other eligibility factors, you may not be able to re-enroll under the same terms. The best strategy is to never miss a deadline in the first place by setting calendar reminders every six months and keeping your contact information current with your county office.

How do I know if the six-month renewal applies to me?

The twice-yearly renewal requirement starting January 1, 2027 applies to most adults ages 19 to 64 who do not have a disability and do not have children 18 or younger in the household. You are likely exempt from this requirement if you are pregnant, a parent or caretaker of a child 13 or younger, a tribal member, over age 65, living with a disability, or have a serious physical or mental health condition. If you are unsure whether this change applies to you, log in to your BenefitsCal.com account to review your case details, or contact your local county Medi-Cal office directly for clarification.

Can I renew my Medi-Cal online?

Yes — and it’s the fastest and easiest way to do it. Visit BenefitsCal.com to create or log into your account, check your renewal due date, complete your renewal form, and submit supporting documents — all in one place. You can also renew by mail, by phone, or in person at your local county Medi-Cal office. Whichever method you choose, make sure to submit your renewal before your deadline to avoid any interruption in coverage.

What is Enhanced Care Management, and do I qualify?

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is a Medi-Cal program designed to support members with complex health needs who require more than routine care coordination. Through ECM, qualifying members are assigned a dedicated Lead Care Manager (LCM) — a personal health advocate who helps them navigate Medi-Cal paperwork and renewals, coordinate care across multiple providers, access community resources, and manage transitions such as hospital discharges. ECM is available to Medi-Cal members who meet certain clinical criteria, including those living with chronic illness, serious mental health conditions, or those who have experienced frequent emergency room visits or hospitalizations. To find out if you or someone you care for qualifies for Pacific Health Group’s ECM program, call us at (888) 341-4449 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com.