California Medicaid Changes: California’s Medicaid, the state’s version of Medicaid, helps over 15 million people, including kids, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. But now it faces major changes because of a new federal law called H.R. 1.
Medicaid currently covers more than a third of California’s population. But with cuts in federal funding, the state could lose up to $30 billion every year. This means about 3.4 million people could lose health coverage that they rely on every day. Families with low incomes and immigrant households may feel the impact the most, as new rules could limit who qualifies for care.
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What the New Rules Mean?
Starting in July 2025 the California will face restrictions on how it funds Medicaid Certain provider taxes that help pay for the program will no longer be allowed, taking billions out of the system. Hospitals and clinics that rely on extra payments to treat low-income patients will also see those payments capped at Medicare levels, leaving them with less money to provide care.
- From January 2026, adults aged 19 to 64 will need to prove they work, train, or participate in community programs for at least 80 hours a month to keep their Medi-Cal coverage.
- Some groups, like pregnant women and certain caregivers, are exempt.
But officials warn that the new paperwork and verification rules could make many people lose access even if they qualify.
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- Immigrants are also affected. Undocumented adults, except pregnant women, will not be able to get full Medicaid benefits starting January 2026.
- By July 2026 dental coverage for undocumented individuals will also be removed, leaving fewer options for care.
Residents should stay Updated
Tyler Sadwith, the Medicaid director at DHCS, tried to calm worries. He said, “Children and pregnant people, beyond their immigration status, will remain covered with Medi-Cal medical care.” State officials are asking residents to keep their contact details updated so they don’t miss renewal notices or program updates.
