Do I have to re enroll in Medi-Cal every year?

Asked by: Phoebe Herman  |  Last update: October 10, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (17 votes)

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically.

Do I need to renew my Medi-Cal every year?

But now Medi-Cal members like you must again renew coverage each year to keep your health care benefits. Your county will mail you a letter or yellow envelope about your Medi-Cal eligibility. The letter will tell you if your Medi-Cal coverage was renewed automatically.

Do I have to re-enroll in health insurance every year after?

Yes. If you don't want us to automatically re-enroll you in a plan for coverage that starts January 1, take action no later than December 15: Log into your Marketplace account. Select your current year application — not the one for next year.

What is Medi-Cal annual redetermination?

What is the Medi-Cal annual renewal redetermination process? Every 12 months, DPSS will conduct a review of a Medi-Cal member's information to determine if they are still eligible to continue receiving Medi-Cal benefits.

How often do you have to apply for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal enrollment happens year round. Apply any time for Medi-Cal using our online application. Currently have Medi-Cal? You'll need to renew your coverage once a year on the anniversary of the day you signed up.

Do I have to re enroll in my Medicare plan every year?

24 related questions found

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow adults ages 26 through 49 to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

How can I check if my Medi-Cal is active?

To check the status of your benefits, visit BenefitsCal.com or call 888-472-4463.

How do I verify my Medi-Cal renewal?

Not all Medi-Cal members need to complete a renewal form.
  1. Your local Medi-Cal office will review the information they have. They also check other government databases.
  2. 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.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

For 2024, the income limits are generally expressed as a percentage of the FPL and vary by the individual's category. For example, an individual may qualify for Medi-Cal if their yearly income is at or below $20,783. A couple may qualify for Medi-Cal if their annual income is at or below $28,208.

What is the eligibility redetermination?

Medicaid Redetermination (also known as Medicaid Recertification, or Medicaid Renewal) is the regular eligibility review that each state's Medicaid agency conducts to determine whether beneficiaries still qualify for Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) coverage.

Does medical insurance reset every year?

A calendar year deductible schedule resets on January 1 of each year. This means that you must pay your deductible again if you have any medical expenses that are covered by your health insurance plan during the calendar year.

Do I have to re-enroll in Medicare every year?

A short answer to this question is no. If you're enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, your plan will renew automatically.

Why can you only enroll in healthcare once a year?

This might seem counterintuitive and there are exceptions to the open enrollment rule. But restricting sign ups for health insurance to once a year helps to ensure health insurance companies stay in business and the rest of us are able to access health insurance in our geographic area and at more reasonable prices.

What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?

To qualify, you must: Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo.

Does Medi-Cal check bank accounts?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

What happens if I don't report my income change to Medi-Cal?

If you do not report changes to your personal information right away, and then receive Medi-Cal benefits that you do not qualify for, you may have to repay DHCS.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

Can you have Medi-Cal and private insurance at the same time?

Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.

Will my Medi-Cal renew automatically?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically. Sometimes the county will send you a renewal form that you must review and return, along with any additional required information. Medi-Cal renewals can be completed online.

What happens if you don't renew your Medi-Cal?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

Is my Medi-Cal still active?

If DPSS has the information they need, they will send you a notice 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 the your Medi-Cal coverage ends.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal?

You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($21,597 for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($85,519 per year for a family of four).

How do I know if my health plan is active?

Quick Guide on How to Check If Your Health Insurance is Active Online:
  1. Log in to your insurance provider's website or mobile app.
  2. Navigate to the "My Policies" or "Coverage Summary" section.
  3. Look for "Active" status next to your policy.

Does Medi-Cal check tax returns?

You do not have to file taxes to qualify for Medi-Cal.