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Medi-Cal eligibility rules change for some L.A. County noncitizens
New federal classifications take effect October 1, but affected members may keep state-funded full-scope coverage through June 2027.
New federal Medicaid eligibility rules taking effect October 1 may change how some Los Angeles County adults with qualifying immigration statuses receive Medi-Cal, the county Department of Public Social Services announced September 30. The department urged members to read official notices, keep contact information current and complete renewals on time.
What it means locally
Potentially affected groups include some refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, trafficking survivors, battered noncitizens and lawful permanent residents who have not completed the five-year waiting period or qualified for an exemption. The county said affected members who remain eligible can continue receiving state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal through June 30, 2027, and will move to fee-for-service Medi-Cal on January 1 without paying a fee. State guidance says coverage for some members will narrow to pregnancy-related and emergency services beginning July 1, 2027. More than 3.1 million people receive Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County, including about 365,250 noncitizens identified as having satisfactory immigration status, but officials said the number directly affected is not yet available. The accompanying photograph shows Los Angeles County Hospital and White Memorial Medical Center in October 2010 and is archival; it does not depict an affected member or the current eligibility change.
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