Medi-Cal Redetermination & Renewal
Each year, Medi-Cal members must complete a renewal to confirm they still qualify for coverage. Don't lose your benefits—stay informed and respond quickly.
Important Medi-Cal Coverage Changes
Please read the updates below. They may affect how your Medi-Cal works.
Coverage Update
Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service Transition
You may still have Medi-Cal coverage and be able to receive care at RUHS.
Some Medi-Cal members may have a change in how their health care costs are covered. You may move from a health plan, like IEHP or Molina, to Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service (FFS).
This change does not mean you have lost your Medi-Cal coverage. You do not need to find a new doctor.
What is the difference?
Medi-Cal Managed Care
You get your health care through a health plan, like IEHP or Molina.
Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service (FFS)
Medi-Cal pays your health care provider directly for covered care. "Fee-for-Service" does not mean you pay. Medi-Cal still pays for your care.
Who does the FFS transition apply to?
- People whose immigration status does not qualify them for full Medi-Cal coverage paid for with federal funds (known as "unsatisfactory immigration status"), including:
- Some people with green cards who are in the five-year waiting period before they can get full-scope federal Medicaid.
Visit Immigration Status and Medi-Cal Changes for more info.
Can I continue receiving care at RUHS?
Yes, you can continue to receive care at RUHS if your Medi-Cal coverage is active. If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for lower-cost care based on your income.
What should I do?
- Check your Medi-Cal. Make sure your coverage is active.
- Renew your Medi-Cal when needed. Read your mail and send in any forms by the due date.
- Have questions about your coverage? Call the Medi-Cal Helpline at 1-800-541-5555.
Additional Resources
- Find a Riverside County Medi-Cal office
- Medi-Cal Help Line: 1-800-541-5555
- Help for members with both Medicare and Medi-Cal: 1-855-501-3077
- Medi-Cal assistance in other formats (large print, audio, braille): 1-800-430-4263
- More about Medi-Cal changes: Department of Health Care Services
- Apply for Medi-Cal or update your information: BenefitsCal.com
Starting January 1, 2027
Work Reporting Requirements
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, new federal requirements under H.R. 1 will introduce work and community engagement requirements for certain Medi-Cal members.
Some people may not have to meet these requirements because of a health condition, disability, or other qualifying circumstances. As a result, patients may need a medical form to show why they qualify for an exemption.
What should I know about requesting a form?
Before completing a disability or medical exemption form, your provider will review your medical history, current health condition, and how your condition affects daily activities.
Please keep in mind:
- Your provider must review your health.Submitting a request or scheduling an appointment does not guarantee that a form can be completed. Disability is based on a physical assessment by a qualified provider.
- Your provider must have medical reasons to support the form.Your provider must determine whether the information in your medical record and clinical exam supports the requested documentation.
- Completing a form does not guarantee approval.Medi-Cal is responsible for administering the benefit or coverage and makes the final eligibility decision.
How can I get help?
- Have questions about your coverage? Call the Medi-Cal Helpline at 1-800-541-5555.
Additional Resources
- Find a Riverside County Medi-Cal office
- Medi-Cal Help Line: 1-800-541-5555
- Help for members with both Medicare and Medi-Cal: 1-855-501-3077
- Medi-Cal assistance in other formats (large print, audio, braille): 1-800-430-4263
- More about Medi-Cal changes: Department of Health Care Services
- Apply for Medi-Cal or update your information: BenefitsCal.com
What Is Medi-Cal Redetermination?
Medi-Cal redetermination is a yearly review of your eligibility. Riverside County's Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) checks information such as income, household size, and residency.
Automatic Renewal
Some members will be automatically renewed if the county can confirm eligibility using available records.
Renewal Packet
Others will receive a renewal packet, often in a yellow envelope, and will need to submit updated information.
Act Quickly
If you receive a renewal packet or notice, open it right away and follow the instructions before the due date.
How the Renewal Process Works
Automatic Renewal
If DPSS can confirm your information from existing databases, your Medi-Cal may be renewed automatically. You will receive a letter stating your coverage will continue.
Packet Sent to You
If DPSS needs more information, they will mail you a renewal form. Review it carefully, make updates, sign the form, and return it before the deadline.
County Review
After you submit your information, DPSS reviews and decides whether your Medi-Cal will continue, change, or end. You will receive a letter with the results.
Missed Deadline
If you don't respond, your coverage may stop. In many cases, if you turn in your information within a grace period, the county may still process your renewal.
How to Renew Your Medi-Cal
You can complete your renewal using any of the following methods:
Online
Log into BenefitsCal.com to upload documents, complete your renewal, and check your case status.
By Mail
Fill out your renewal packet and return it to the address listed in your notice.
In Person
Visit any DPSS office if you have questions or need help.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Make sure DPSS has your current address, email, and phone number.
- Watch for important mail from the county—especially yellow envelopes.
- Open notices from DPSS immediately.
- Gather documents you may need, such as proof of income or household changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my Medi-Cal?
Most Medi-Cal members must renew every 12 months. The month you renew depends on when you enrolled.
Will my renewal always come in a yellow envelope?
Often, yes—but not always. Some notices may come in standard envelopes. If you're automatically renewed, you may receive only a confirmation letter.
What should I do if I receive a renewal form?
Review the information, update anything that has changed, sign the form, and return it before the deadline. Include any documents the county requests.
What information might DPSS ask for?
Proof of income, tax information, household or residency changes, and updated contact information.
I don't have a bank account. What should I do?
If DPSS requests statements but you don't have a bank account, you may be able to submit a written statement. Follow the instructions in your renewal notice.
What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
Your Medi-Cal coverage may be discontinued. However, if you submit your renewal information within a grace period, DPSS may still process it without a new application.
My Medi-Cal stopped but I think I still qualify. What should I do?
Contact DPSS immediately. You can request a review or file an appeal (called a state hearing). Your notice will explain the process and deadlines.
What if I no longer qualify for Medi-Cal?
If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, your information may be forwarded to Covered California, where you may qualify for low-cost health insurance with financial help.
Will renewing Medi-Cal affect my immigration status?
For most people, renewing or using Medi-Cal does not affect immigration status or count toward "public charge." Your information is kept confidential and used only for eligibility decisions.
Watch Out for Scams
It is free to apply for or renew Medi-Cal. Do not give personal information to anyone asking for payment to keep your benefits.