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What to know when it’s time to renew
What to know when it’s time to renew
At least once a year, your county checks to see if you still qualify for Medi-Cal.
They look at things like your income, assets, your household, and where you live.
Some people are renewed automatically. Others may need to send in information.
It is important to respond right away.
It’s important to complete your renewal on time so you don’t lose your coverage.
Make sure your contact information is updated
Make sure your contact information is updated
Many people lose Medi-Cal because they miss their renewal notice—not because they no longer qualify.
If you have moved or changed your phone number or email, update your information right away. This helps you get important renewal updates.
Ways to update your information:
Update Online
BenefitsCal is a one-stop place to check your coverage and update your information.
Check your mail
Check your mail
Ways to complete your renewal
Ways to complete your renewal
Renew Online
BenefitsCal is a one-stop place to check your coverage and update your information.
Get help from local enrollment counselors. Your community is here to help!
Get help from local enrollment counselors. Your community is here to help!
San Joaquin County:
• Asian Pacific Self-Development and Residential Association (APSARA): 209-944-1770
or 209-905-2777
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton: 209-444-5940 or 209-444-5907
• Community Medical Center: 209-373-2824
• Community Partnership for Families Dorothy L Jones: 209-444-5555
• Lodi Family Resource Center: 209-269-8262
• Tracy Family Resource Center: 209-229-4922
Stanislaus County:
• Parent Resource Center: 209-549-8193
• Hughson Family Resource Center: 209-883-2027
Alpine County Health and Human Services Agency:
• 530-694-2235
El Dorado Health and Human Services Agency:
• Placerville: 530-642-7300
• S. Lake Tahoe: 530-573-3200
If your Medi-Cal coverage has ended
If your Medi-Cal coverage has ended
If you think you are still eligible for Medi-Cal, please take action right away. You have 90 days from your termination date on your renewal form to respond. It’s not too late. Receive help getting your Medi-Cal coverage activated again.
If you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal due to recent changes, you still have access to affordable health coverage. You may be eligible for financial assistance through Covered California, where you can compare plans and find one that fits your needs and budget.
The Medi-Cal Program is changing:
The Medi-Cal Program is changing:
Good news — most Medi-Cal members won’t see any changes.
Click below to visit Department of Health Services (DHCS) website and learn more about changes that affect you.
view timeline
January 2026
Older Adults and People with Disabilities
- Asset Limits
Adult Immigrants
- Enrollment Freeze
July 2026
Adult Immigrants
- Loss of Dental Coverage
October 2026
Adult Immigrants
- Immigration Status Changes
January 2027
Adults (age 19-64),
- Work Rules
- Six-Month Eligibility Checks
- Less Time to Get Help Paying Old Medical Bills
July 2027
Adult Immigrants
- Monthly Premiums
October 2028
Adults (age 19-64),
- Copayments
Affected members will get letters by mail, text, or email. Make sure to keep your Medi-Cal information updated so you don’t miss important notices.
Questions about your coverage?
Questions about your coverage?
How do I know when my renewal month is?
The annual renewal month is the month in which your annual renewal is due. Typically, the annual renewal due month is the 11th month after your application month. For example, if you applied in August, your annual renewal due month is usually set to the following July. You can also determine your renewal month by calling your local county agency.
You can find your renewal due date information online by logging in or creating an online account at BenefitsCal.com and linking your Medi-Cal case. The renewal due month will be listed in the your account under ‘Case Information’. You can also call your local county agency to request this information.
When do I have to renew?
All Medi-Cal members have their Medi-Cal looked at once per year. Everyone has a different renewal date. You will get a letter in the mail that tells you when your renewal is due.
You can check your renewal date in your online account:
- Log into BenefitsCal.
- You can also create a new account.
- If you don’t know how, go to KeepMediCalCoverage.org.
Do I need to complete a Medi-Cal renewal form?
Not everyone will need to complete a renewal form. Your local Medi-Cal office will first review the information they already have and check other available records. If they can confirm you still qualify, your coverage will be renewed automatically. You’ll receive a notice, and no further action is needed.
If more information is required, your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a renewal form in a bright yellow envelope. If you receive this form, it’s important to complete it and return any requested documents by the deadline to keep your coverage.
How can I submit my renewal?
The fastest and easiest option is online through BenefitsCal, where you can log in or create an account. If you’re unsure where to start, visit KeepMediCalCoverage.org for guidance.
You can also renew by mail (using the instructions in your renewal form), by phone (call the number on your form), or in person at your local Medi-Cal office. Please note that wait times may be longer by phone or in person.
Free help is available. You can contact your local Medi-Cal office or a Health Enrollment Navigator for assistance with your renewal, including completing forms and submitting documents. Help is available online, by mail, by phone, or in person—and it will never cost you anything to apply, renew, or submit information for Medi-Cal.
You also have the right to receive help in your preferred language. Language services are available by phone and in person, including bilingual staff and interpreter services.
How long do I have to complete my renewal packet before I get disenrolled from Medi-Cal?
You are given 60 days to provide the requested information. If the requested information is not received by the 60-day due date, Medi-Cal benefits will discontinue at the end of the renewal due month. You have up to 90 days from the discontinuation date to provide the information needed to re-establish coverage. After 90 days, you will have to submit a new Medi-Cal application.
What information do I need to give to my local Medi-Cal office?
Your local Medi-Cal office will ask for what they need that affects your Medi-Cal. They need details and proof of any changes.
They will need to know if you:
- Get married or divorced
- Have a child, adopt or place a child for adoption
- Become pregnant
- Get more or less money
- Get any other health coverage, like through a job or Medicare. This won’t stop your Medi-Cal.
- Move, or change who is living in your home
- Have become disabled or had a change in your disability
- Have a change in how you file your income taxes, such as starting or stopping claiming someone as a tax dependent.
- Have a change in citizenship or immigration status
- Are incarcerated (jail, prison, etc.) or released from incarceration
- Have a change in American Indian or Alaska Native status
- Have a change in your tribal status
- Change your name, date of birth or Social Security Number (SSN)
- Have any other changes that may affect your income or household size
If you get income, you may need to give proof. The form lists examples such as pay stubs and tax returns.
You do not need to:
- Tell us about non-income assets. These include bank accounts, homes, and vehicles.
- Turn in proof of your assets and property.
You need to report if a new person with property moves in or if you get money from your property. An example is rent payments paid to you.
What should I do if I moved?
You can update your information on BenefitsCal or contact your couny office to make sure they have information such as:
- Current name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
The county needs this to contact you with important information about your Medi-Cal.
How do I report a change if I have SSI?
If you get SSI, Social Security will process your Medi-Cal renewal. If you have questions:
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY) 1-800-325-0778, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Contact your local Social Security office via their online locator.
What happens after I turn in my Medi-Cal renewal?
Your local Medi-Cal office will look at your renewal. They will determine if you still get Medi-Cal. If your renewal is missing something, they will ask for more information. They will send you a notice telling you what they need.
If they have what they need, they will send you a notice. The notice will tell you whether or not you still get Medi-Cal. If you do, it will tell you that your Medi-Cal is renewed for one year. If you don’t, it will tell you when your Medi-Cal ends.
How did Medi-Cal get the information on the renewal form?
The renewal form has all the information Medi-Cal knows about you. You gave most of the information in previous applications and renewals. Some may come from other places Medi-Cal has access to. These include:
- Social Security
- Employment Development Department
I got a letter or notice but not the yellow envelope. What do I do?
Not all Medi-Cal members need to complete a renewal form. Your local Medi-Cal office will review the information they have. They also check other government databases.
If they confirm you are eligible, they will renew you. You will get a notice if you are renewed. You do not need to do anything else. Other people will need to give more information.
Your local Medi-Cal office will send you a renewal form. It will be in a bright yellow envelope. If you get a form, you must complete it. You must also turn in the extra information it requests. You need to do this to keep your Medi-Cal.
Is there a fee to renew or reapply for Medi-Cal?
No. There is never a fee to do so. Beware of scammers reaching out and asking for any fees. DO NOT send any payments related to renewing or applying for Medi-Cal coverage.
I am being asked for bank statements to prove my income. I do not have money in the bank account. Do I need to submit a statement?
If you do not have money, you can simply complete a sworn statement to the local Medi-Cal office that you do not have income or money.
What happens after I return my renewal packet?
Your renewal information will be reviewed to determine if you are still eligible to get Medi-Cal. If the renewal is missing something, your local county agency will ask for more information and send you a notice telling you what information they need.
If no additional information is needed a notice will be sent to tell you whether or not you still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. If you do still qualify, the letter will indicate that your Medi-Cal is renewed for one year. If you do not still qualify, the letter will indicate when your Medi-Cal coverage ends.
What if I miss the due date?
Talk to your county office to find out if you can still turn in your form.
Posted on March 23rd, 2026 and last modified on June 2nd, 2026.
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