Ventura County benefit programs will feel the impacts of several federal and state budget cuts that are phasing in between now and 2028.
This chart is for your information and planning, but should not discourage you from applying for CalFresh or Medi-Cal. When you apply, the BeneficiosCal.com website or your local benefits office will let you know if and when any of these changes may affect your eligibility.
CalFresh Budget Impacts
Medi-Cal Budget Impacts
April 1, 2026
CalFresh eligibility ends for some special immigrant populations.
CalFresh eligibility ends for some special immigrant populations.
What is Changing:
On April 1, 2026, approximately 74,000 lawfully present noncitizens in California, including refugees, asylees, parolees, and victims of trafficking will no longer be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Get more information on the State CalFresh FAQ page. En Ventura County Star has also published an informative article on the changes.
We realize this rule is complex. If you are in one of the special immigrant categories, you may want to consult with a benefits specialists or check BeneficiosCal.com to confirm any changes to your eligibility.
June 1, 2026
CalFresh work requirements expand to include a broader age range and fewer exemptions.
CalFresh work requirements expand to include a broader age range and fewer exemptions.
What is Changing:
On June 1, 2026, work requirements expand to ages 18-64 (up from 54). Exemptions end for certain groups, specifically impacting veterans, young adults aging out of foster care, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
There will be a three-month limit to CalFresh benefits for those that do not meet work requirements or have an exemption.
Learn more about CalFresh work requirements on the State CalFresh Information pages. En Ventura County Star has also published an informative article on the changes.
Where Can I Learn More?
Visit the State of California Medi-Care and CalFresh information pages for additional information on how federal and state budget changes will impact local benefits.
Medi-Cal Changes per California Department of Health Care Services
CalFresh Changes per California Department of Social Services
January 1, 2026
Adults without satisfactory immigration status will no longer be able to enroll in new full-scope Medi-Cal.
Adults without satisfactory immigration status will no longer be able to enroll in new full-scope Medi-Cal.
What is Changing?
Effective January 1, 2026, California froze new enrollment in full-scope Medi-Cal for most undocumented adults aged 19 and older. New applications from this group now only qualify for emergency, pregnancy or nursing home-related services. Learn more about Medi-Care changes for immigrants here.
July 1, 2026
Dental benefits eliminated for Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status.
Dental benefits eliminated for Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status.
What is Changing?
Some Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status will stop getting full-scope dental services as part of their Medi-Cal coverage. Emergency dental care will still be available. Please view the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you are subject to this change.
Oct. 1, 2026
Asylees, refugees, parolees, battered noncitizens, and trafficking victims now excluded from Medi-Cal eligibility.
Asylees, refugees, parolees, battered noncitizens, and trafficking victims now excluded from Medi-Cal eligibility.
What is Changing?
Starting October 1, 2026, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses (your legal standing in the U.S. based on how and why you came here).
You may be affected if you get Medi-Cal and are:
- A refugee or asylee – someone who left their home country for safety and don’t yet have a Green Card
- A humanitarian parolee – someone allowed into the U.S. for urgent reasons for at least one year
- A survivor of domestic violence or human trafficking, and you have a pending status
- Details on how this policy will be implemented in California will be available soon on the State Medi-Cal information pages.
Jan. 1, 2027
Medi-Cal renewals shift to every six months and Medi-Cal work requirements expand.
Medi-Cal renewals shift to every six months and Medi-Cal work requirements expand.
What is Changing?
Starting Jan. 1, 2027, adults ages 19–64 without children under 19 will need to renew Medi-Cal every six months instead of annually. Missing deadlines could result in loss of coverage.
Also effective Jan. 1, 2027, some adults will need to work or volunteer or go to school to get to keep Medi-Cal. If this applies to you, the county Medi-Cal office will send you a letter.
This Applies to:
- Adults (age 19-64)
- Are eligible for Medi-Cal because of the Affordable Care Act expansions
- Don’t meet any exemptions
Please visit the State Medi-Cal information pages for important information on exceptions and how to meet this requirement.
July 1, 2027
Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status begin paying a $30 monthly premium.
Medi-Cal clients with unsatisfactory immigration status begin paying a $30 monthly premium.
What is Changing?
Starting July 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will need to pay a $30 monthly fee (called a premium) to keep their full-scope Medi-Cal.
- Please see the Immigration Status Categories chart to see if you must pay monthly premiums.
- If you don’t pay, your Medi-Cal will change and you will only get restricted Medi-Cal.
Please visit the State Medi-Cal information pages para más información.
Oct. 21, 2028
Some Medi-Cal clients will start paying co-payments.
Some Medi-Cal clients will start paying co-payments.
What is Changing?
Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Medi-Cal may have to pay a fee (called a copayment) for certain services.
This Applies to:
Medi-Cal members who:
- Are adults (age 19-64), and
- Are not pregnant, (Pregnancy coverage lasts through your whole pregnancy and up to one year after it ends.)
- Are not on Medicare
- Make more than $15,560 a year
Please visit the State Medi-Cal information pages para más detalles.