Protecting Health Access
Keep Your Medi-Cal Coverage
Medi-Cal rules are changing. DAP Health can help you understand what you need to know and what you need to do to keep your health coverage.
Three Important Steps You Can Take Now
Make Sure Medi-Cal Has Your Current:
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Household information
Since 1984, DAP Health has been proudly protecting and expanding health care access on behalf of every member of the diverse communities it serves.
Watch for Medi-Cal Renewal Notices
Your county reviews if you are eligible for Medi-Cal and will contact you if it needs information from you.
Some people are renewed automatically and do not need to do anything. If more information is needed, you may receive a renewal form or another request from Medi-Cal or your county.
Open Medi-Cal notices right away and follow the instructions by the deadline.
Complete Your Renewal When Required
If you receive a renewal form, complete it and return any requested information before the deadline.
You can renew online through BenefitsCal or follow the instructions provided by your county.
DAP Health Can Help if You’re Not Sure What To Do.
You don’t have to figure this all out alone. Our team can help you through the entire process. Just call 760.922.0480 or click the link below.
Contact us as soon as possible. Do not wait until your coverage ends.
Medi-Cal Changes Coming in 2027
New Medi-Cal rules begin in 2027. Not everyone will be affected in the same way. The most important thing right now is to keep your information current and read any notices you receive from Medi-Cal or your county.
New Work, School, Training or Volunteer Rules
Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19–64 will need to meet new work or community engagement requirements to get or keep Medi-Cal.
If the new rules may apply to you, Medi-Cal or your county will send you information about what you need to do.
Many people will not have to meet these requirements, including some parents and caregivers, pregnant people, people with disabilities or serious health conditions, people receiving Medicare, American Indians and Alaska Natives, some current or former foster youth, and others who qualify for an exception.
If you need to follow the new rules, things you have to do may include working, job training, volunteering or community service, attending school, or a combination of these.
You may already meet the requirement or qualify for an exemption. Please don’t assume you will lose Medi-Cal.
Some People Will Need to Renew Medi-Cal Every Six Months
Beginning March 1, 2027, some people ages 19–64 will need to renew their Medi-Cal every six months instead of once a year.
This makes it especially important to:
- Keep your contact information current.
- Read every Medi-Cal or county notice.
- Respond to requests by the deadline.
- Ask for help if you are unsure what to do.
Already Lost Your Medi-Cal?
Contact DAP Health as soon as possible.
Losing Medi-Cal does not necessarily mean you’re out of options. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get your Medi-Cal coverage back or qualify for another health coverage option.
DAP Health Is Here To Help You
Whether you have received a notice you do not understand, need to renew, have questions about the new requirements, or have already lost coverage, DAP Health can help you understand your next step.
Questions? Call 760.922.0480.
Need Help Meeting the New Medi-Cal Requirements?
Beginning on January 1, 2026, new federal legislation will require many individuals ages 19-64 who receive Medi-Cal benefits to work, participate in job training or attend school, or volunteer for at least 20 hours per week to maintain their medical coverage. While there will be exemptions and exceptions for certain individuals, it is critical that program participants understand how this may affect them.
The Wellness Center at DAP Health Sunrise is ready to help any client/patient needing help.
- Palm Springs,
- CA
- 92262
Those needing Spanish assistance will be connected to Computer Educator Juan Gutierrez.
Contacts
- Steve Rossetti
Career Development Specialist
[email protected]
760-322-6378
- Cory Lujan
Wellness Center Manager
[email protected]
760-992-0469
Wellness Center Services
- Job search assistance • Career development and skill-building
- Connections to volunteer opportunities
- Guidance on the different ways patients can meet required hours
- Verification of hours completed in the computer lab or with Wellness Center team members
- Individualized guidance related to employment, income, and benefits (including helping patients understand how changes in income may affect the benefits they receive)
Access
- In-person services are currently only available at DAP Health Sunrise
- Virtual/remote services are also available
- Patients in other locations can also be connected to comparable community partners when needed
- Spanish-language assistance is available
- Patients can self-refer or be referred by a DAP Health team member
- Appointments are preferred
Wellness Center Services
- Open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Walk-in access for job searches
- Spanish assistance is available.
Wellness Center Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please note: DAP Health cannot determine whether someone meets Medi-Cal eligibility requirements.
Medi-Cal Questions and Answers
Need help? Call DAP Health at 760.922.0480. Our team can help you understand a letter, renew Medi-Cal, or find your next step.
Keeping your Medi-Cal
What should I do now?
Make sure your county has your current address, phone number, and email. Read each Medi-Cal letter. Send back any forms or proof by the date shown.
Need help? Call DAP Health at 760.466.0800
When do I need to renew?
Your county checks if you can keep Medi-Cal. This is called a renewal.
It may renew you with no forms to fill out. If it needs more from you, it will send a letter. Follow the steps and due date in the letter.
Check your renewal date in BenefitsCal or call your county.
How do I change my address or phone number?
Use BenefitsCal to update your Medi-Cal online. Or call your county Medi-Cal office.
SD County is here: Access Customer Service Call Center at 1-866-262-9881.
Give them your new address, phone number, and email. Tell them if your pay or family size changes, too.
Telling your clinic is not enough. Your county needs the update, too.
What if I miss my renewal date?
Call your county or DAP Health right away.
Did Medi-Cal end because renewal forms or proof were missing? You have 90 days after it ended to send them. Your county can restore Medi-Cal if you still qualify. This does not mean you have 90 extra days of coverage.
After 90 days, you must apply again. Some people may not be able to get full Medi-Cal again. Do not wait.
What if I think the letter is wrong?
You can ask the state to review a decision to end your Medi-Cal. This is called a state hearing.
Your letter says how to ask and gives the deadline. Act before the date Medi-Cal is set to end. You may be able to keep it while the state reviews your case.
Call us for help. Calling us does not take the place of asking for a hearing.
Can I still get care if my Medi-Cal ends?
Yes. DAP Health will not turn you away because you cannot pay. You may pay less based on your income and family size. . Call us and ask for a sliding fee scale
Need medicine soon? Call your care team before you run out. If you take HIV medicine, ask about ADAP. This program may help pay for it.
Can I get help without a computer or in my language?
Yes. You can renew by phone, by mail, or in person through your county. You do not need a computer.
Your county offers free help in your language. You can ask for an interpreter. When you call DAP Health, tell us which language you use.
New work and renewal rules
Do I have to work to keep Medi-Cal?
Not everyone does. New rules start on January 1, 2027, for some adults ages 19 to 64.
These work rules do not apply to children or adults age 65 and older. Many other people do not have to meet them, either.
Work is not the only way to meet the rules. Your county will tell you what to do.
What counts toward the work rule?
You may meet the rule in one of these ways:
- Work, do job training, or volunteer for a total of 80 hours a month.
- Go to school at least half-time.
- Earn at least $580 a month from work.
You do not need to do all three. You can mix work, training, and volunteer hours. Ask us for help.
What if I am sick or care for someone?
You may not have to meet the work rule if:
- You are pregnant or your pregnancy ended within the past year.
- You care for a child age 13 or younger. This can also apply if you care for a person with a disability.
- A disability or physical or mental health issue makes it very hard to meet the rule.
- You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
People with Medicare and some other groups do not have to meet it, either. Your county may need proof. Ask us for help.
What proof will I need for the work rule?
Your county will tell you what proof it needs and when to send it.
Save pay stubs and records of work, school, job training, or volunteer hours. A note from your care team may help if a health problem keeps you from meeting the rule.
If your county says it cannot confirm you met the rule, it must give you 30 days to respond. You can show that you met it or do not have to meet it. Call us for help right away.
Will I need to renew every six months?
Starting March 1, 2027, some adults ages 19 to 64 will need to renew every six months. Many other people will still renew once a year.
Your county will tell you when to renew.
You may need to renew twice a year even if you do not have to meet the work rule.
New work and renewal rules
Do I have to work to keep Medi-Cal?
Not everyone does. New rules start on January 1, 2027, for some adults ages 19 to 64.
These work rules do not apply to children or adults age 65 and older. Many other people do not have to meet them, either.
Work is not the only way to meet the rules. Your county will tell you what to do.
What counts toward the work rule?
You may meet the rule in one of these ways:
- Work, do job training, or volunteer for a total of 80 hours a month.
- Go to school at least half-time.
- Earn at least $580 a month from work.
You do not need to do all three. You can mix work, training, and volunteer hours. Ask us for help.
What if I am sick or care for someone?
You may not have to meet the work rule if:
- You are pregnant or your pregnancy ended within the past year.
- You care for a child age 13 or younger. This can also apply if you care for a person with a disability.
- A disability or physical or mental health issue makes it very hard to meet the rule.
- You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
People with Medicare and some other groups do not have to meet it, either. Your county may need proof. Ask us for help.
What proof will I need for the work rule?
Your county will tell you what proof it needs and when to send it.
Save pay stubs and records of work, school, job training, or volunteer hours. A note from your care team may help if a health problem keeps you from meeting the rule.
If your county says it cannot confirm you met the rule, it must give you 30 days to respond. You can show that you met it or do not have to meet it. Call us for help right away.
Will I need to renew every six months?
Starting March 1, 2027, some adults ages 19 to 64 will need to renew every six months. Many other people will still renew once a year.
Your county will tell you when to renew.
You may need to renew twice a year even if you do not have to meet the work rule.
Questions about your situation
I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I keep Medi-Cal?
Do not assume your Medi-Cal has ended. The rules are not the same for everyone.
U.S. rules changed on October 1, 2026, for some people who are not citizens. If this change affects your Medi-Cal, the state will pay for full Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027.
A separate rule began on January 1, 2026. It limits who can sign up for full Medi-Cal. Renew on time. Call us to check which rules apply to you.
What does “Fee-for-Service” mean?
Starting January 1, 2027, some members will move from a health plan to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal will still pay for covered care. The name does not mean you must pay the bill.
Before the change, ask your doctor or clinic if they take this type of Medi-Cal. Ask about any care or support you get through your health plan, too.
Bring your Medi-Cal card to visits. Call us for help with your letter.
Do these changes affect older adults or people with a disability?
Some rules may affect you.
Since January 1, 2026, some Medi-Cal programs count savings and things you own. This may apply if you are 65 or older. It may also apply if you have a disability or live in a nursing home.
Your main home and one car usually do not count. Limits change again on July 1, 2027.
Ask your county which rules apply before you move or give away money or property.
Can Medi-Cal help pay for past medical bills?
In some cases. Medi-Cal may help pay for care you got before you applied. You must have met Medi-Cal rules at that time.
Starting January 1, 2027, new rules limit this help to one or two months before you apply. The limit depends on your type of Medi-Cal.
Apply as soon as you need coverage. Ask your county about help with past bills.
What if I need a different health plan?
You may be able to get a plan through Covered California. This is a place to shop for health plans.
Rules for help with costs depend on your case. Losing Medi-Cal does not always mean you can get help paying for another plan.
Call DAP Health to check your choices. Try to get help before your Medi-Cal ends.
Will my Medi-Cal information be shared with ICE?
Some details can be shared with ICE. This is the U.S. agency that enforces immigration laws.
There are limits. A court order bars this sharing for U.S. citizens and green card holders. It also bars it for others who live here lawfully.
Ending Medi-Cal will not erase details that have been shared. Talk with a lawyer who works on immigration cases before you choose to end it.
Could Medi-Cal affect my green card or visa?
Some visa and green card cases use a rule called “public charge.” Under this rule, U.S. officials may look at your use of Medi-Cal and other help. It does not apply to most immigrants.
Each case is different. Speak with an immigration lawyer before you end Medi-Cal or other help. Ask us where to find legal help.