New federal rules taking effect Thursday could change federally funded Medi-Cal eligibility for some noncitizens in Los Angeles County, officials said Wednesday.
The changes stem from H.R. 1, a federal law that changes how the government classifies some immigration statuses and determines whether certain adults qualify for federally funded, full-scope Medi-Cal, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services.
Certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, people from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau who qualify under the Compacts of Free Association, and lawful permanent residents who have completed the five-year waiting period or are exempt from it will remain eligible for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal, subject to other eligibility requirements, county officials said.
Other qualified noncitizens who may be affected include lawful permanent residents who have not met the five-year waiting period and do not qualify for an exemption, refugees, asylees, Amerasian immigrants, people granted withholding of deportation or removal, certain conditional entrants, people paroled into the United States for at least one year, battered noncitizens and their parents or children, victims of human trafficking, and people granted humanitarian parole.
People currently eligible for Medi-Cal who are affected by the changes may continue receiving state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027, if they otherwise remain eligible, officials said.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, they will transition to fee-for-service Medi-Cal, which allows them to receive care from any provider who accepts Medi-Cal at no cost to the beneficiary.
“Shifts in program coverage can raise questions and uncertainty for our customers and families who rely on Medi-Cal for their health care,” DPSS Director Dr. Jackie Contreras said. “Our priority is to make sure our customers have clear, reliable information and know that DPSS is here to help them navigate what comes next. No one should have to figure this out alone.”
DPSS said more than 3.1 million people received Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County as of June. About 365,250 beneficiaries were identified as noncitizens with satisfactory immigration status, although the number specifically affected by the revised definition of qualified noncitizens was not available.
The department urged Medi-Cal customers to review notices from DPSS and the California Department of Health Care Services, keep their contact information current, respond to requests for information and complete renewals on time.
Information and resources are available at dpss.lacounty.gov/en/keep-benefits.html.