Don’t Lose Your Medi-Cal: Renew on Time in Santa Clara County

The one rule that matters most this year: if you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can keep it — but only if you renew on time.

Medi-Cal renews once a year. The state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) puts it plainly: “To keep your Medi-Cal benefits, you must renew at least once a year.” If your renewal is late or a form goes missing, your coverage ends — and in 2026, getting back on is harder than it used to be.

Why renewing on time matters more in 2026

As of January 1, 2026, California froze new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment for one group: adults age 19 and older who are not pregnant, who are undocumented, and who qualified only through the state’s expansion. People in that group who are already enrolled keep their coverage — as long as they renew on time and still meet the rules.

If your coverage ends and you miss the fix-it window below, you may only be able to get restricted-scope Medi-Cal — emergency care, pregnancy care, and nursing home care — instead of full coverage.

Some people can still get full-scope Medi-Cal no matter their immigration status:

• Children ages 0–18
• Pregnant people (during pregnancy and for one year after)
• People under 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday

How renewal works — step by step

1. Watch your mail. First, the county tries to renew you automatically using information it already has. If that works, you get an Auto Renewal Letter that says you don’t need to do anything.
2. If the county needs more from you, a renewal form arrives. Fill it in and return it by the due date. Do not wait for a second notice.
3. Renew online, by phone, or in person:
   • Online: BenefitsCal.com
   • County benefits line: (408) 758-3800
   • Medi-Cal only line: (408) 758-3600
   • In person: Benefit Assistance Center, 1867 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112, or Continuing Benefit Services, 1877 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
4. Keep your address current. Most lost coverage starts with a form mailed to an old address. If you moved, update the county right away.

Missed the deadline? You have 90 days

If your Medi-Cal ends because information was missing, you have 90 days to give the county office the missing information without having to re-apply. The county will reinstate your coverage with no gap. DHCS also describes this as three months to sign back up after your Medi-Cal ends.

After those 90 days, the door narrows. For adults affected by the 2026 freeze, what remains is restricted-scope coverage only. Treat the renewal date like a bill due date — it is that important.

The asset test is back for some members

Starting January 1, 2026, an asset test returned for Non-MAGI Medi-Cal — the programs for people who are 65 or older, living with a disability, living in a nursing home, or in a family over the tax-rule income limits. Most working-age adults and children on MAGI Medi-Cal are not the group this targets.

• Limit through June 30, 2027: $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional person (up to 10 people).
• Counts: bank accounts, cash, and more than one house or vehicle.
• Does not count: the home you live in, one vehicle, and household items.
• Existing members are first tested at their next annual renewal — another reason to open every county envelope.
• Warning: on July 1, 2027, the limit drops to $21,000 for one person and $31,000 for two. Do not plan around $130,000 as if it were permanent.

One change coming in 2027

Starting March 1, 2027, adults ages 19–64 in the ACA expansion group will get eligibility checks twice a year instead of once. Everyone else — including pregnant people and former foster youth under 26 — stays on the yearly cycle. When that starts, an up-to-date address matters twice as much.

Do this week

• [ ] Find your renewal month (check your last county letter or call (408) 758-3600)
• [ ] Make sure the county has your current mailing address
• [ ] Open every envelope from the county — the renewal form only comes if the county couldn’t renew you automatically
• [ ] If your coverage already ended, count your 90 days and call (408) 758-3800 today

→ Check what else you may qualify for — food, rent, and bill help

See also: Medi-Cal and health coverage · Covered California basics

This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules checked October 2026 against DHCS and Santa Clara County official sources.