Starting Jan. 1, 2027, members with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status will get their care through fee-for-service (FFS) Medi-Cal instead of through a health plan, like Gold Coast Health Plan. This changes how members get care, not whether they can keep Medi-Cal.
Visit the state Department of Health Care Services Fee-for-Service Transition page for more details.
January 2027 Fee-for-Service Transition
Who this applies to:
- People who are undocumented.
- Some people with green cards who are in the five-year waiting period before they can get full-scope federal Medicaid.
- People considered Permanently Residing in the U.S. Under Color of Law (PRUCOL), meaning they are allowed to stay in the U.S. even without formal immigration status.
Visit Immigration Status and Medi‑Cal Changes to see if this applies to you.
Important to Know
- You will stay covered if you renew on time.
- You will not be enrolled in a health plan anymore. Instead, you can go to any doctor or clinic that accepts FFS Medi-Cal.
- "Fee-for-Service" does not mean you pay. Medi-Cal still pays for your care.
- Specialty mental health and substance use treatment will continue through county behavioral health plans.
- Your medicines will still be covered by Medi-Cal Rx.
- Dental care is not changing for most members. How dental care works depends on your county.
- Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports will not continue in FFS Medi-Cal.
- Other help is still available, like Community Health Workers, chronic care management, doula services, and county mental health programs.
- DHCS will offer new help during this change, including a nurse advice line and community navigators to guide you and answer questions.
- You will get more information before the change begins.