Unsatisfactory Immigration Status Members Information
Unsatisfactory Immigration Status Members
Important Information about How you Receive your Healthcare
Starting on January 1, 2027, Federal law requires Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS) to transfer from Medi-Cal managed care to Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service. This service is also called Medi-Cal FFS. These members will keep their Medi-Cal coverage, but the way they access care may change.
Some UIS pregnant and postpartum members covered under CHIPRA 214 may remain enrolled in managed care. They might not be impacted by this transfer in the same way as other members.
DHCS plans to alert impacted members (members who will have to transfer to Medi-Cal FFS) by December 1, 2026. Please make sure your mailing address and contact information are current with your county Medi-Cal office. Do this to get important information about your benefits.
Important: This change is based on each person’s immigration status.
Only impacted members will move to Medi-Cal FFS.
What you can do now
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address has changed, update it with Health Net or through your county Medi-Cal office.
- Keep going to your appointments and use your benefits as you do today.
- Call Health Net Member Services 1-800-327-0502 if you have questions about how this may affect you. Also call if you have:
- Care that is in progress
- Open approvals
- Support services
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Medi-Cal coverage ending?
A: No. This change does not mean your Medi-Cal coverage will end. Impacted members will be able to keep their Medi-Cal plan as long as they remain qualified.
What is Medi-Cal FFS?
A: Medi-Cal FFS is a way to get Medi-Cal services through the State of California instead of through a Medi-Cal managed care plan.
Before January 1, 2027, ask your doctor, clinic or other providers if they accept Medi-Cal FFS. If your doctor does not accept Medi-Cal FFS, you can find a new doctor by:
- Using the Medi-Cal FFS Provider Lookup tool
- Using the Find a Fee‑for‑Service Doctor or Service search tool
- Calling the Medi-Cal Helpline at 1-800-541-5555 for help.
When will this change happen?
A: The change will happen on January 1, 2027.
Will I receive a notice?
A: DHCS will alert members by text campaign in October and by letter December 1, 2026. To help ensure you receive your notice, please contact:
- Your County Medi-Cal office
- Medi-Cal Helpline 1-800-541-5555
- Health Net Member Services
Will everyone in the family lose Health Net coverage?
A: No, the change is based on each person's immigration status. One person's transfer to Medi-Cal FFS does not mean the other family members will also lose their Health Net coverage. This is as long as other family members remain qualified for Medi-Cal.
Will I need to change doctors?
A: Maybe. You may need to see doctors who accept Medi-Cal FFS after the move. You can ask your doctor(s) if they accept Medi-Cal FFS.
Will my prescriptions change?
A: No, your pharmacy coverage does not change due to the move from managed care to FFS. Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy benefits are offered through the Medi-Cal FFS service system. Members can use Medi-Cal Rx tools and for pharmacy information.
Will I receive a new Medi-Cal card when I move from my health plan to Medi-Cal FFS?
A: No. If you are moving from managed care to Medi-Cal FFS, you will be able to use your current Medi-Cal Beneficiary Identification Card (BIC) to receive covered services. A new BIC will not be issued as part of the change.
If your BIC is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a new one through your local county Medi-Cal office. Or you can request one online through BenefitsCal. To find your county office, visit the DHCS website. You can also submit a new card request through BenefitsCal.
Where can I get more information?
A: Use the following resource links and check for official information from DHCS. If you receive a notice from DHCS, read it closely and keep it for your records.
Resources and Support
These resources can help you find:
- Medi-Cal information
- County office support
- Provider tools and information
- Pharmacy information
- Dental services
- Behavioral health tools and information
| Resource | How the Resource may help |
|---|---|
| DHCS Medi-Cal information | Learn about:
|
| DHCS immigration status and changes to how to qualify for Medi-Cal | Review DHCS information about immigration status types. Also learn about the changes to qualify for Medi-Cal. |
| Find your county Medi-Cal office | Find your local county office for help with Medi-Cal and address updates. |
| Find a Medi-Cal provider | Search DHCS provider finder resources for medical providers. DHCS has designed a new Find Doctors & Services tool. Members can use this tool to search for Medi-Cal FFS providers by:
|
| Medi-Cal FFS provider information | View public information about enrolled Medi-Cal FFS doctors. |
| Medi-Cal Rx | Find Medi-Cal pharmacy information and resources. |
| Medi-Cal Dental | Find information about Medi-Cal dental services. |
| Find a Medi-Cal Dental provider | Search for Medi-Cal dentists. |
| DHCS Behavioral Health Services | Learn about mental health and substance abuse programs and services. |
Need help?
If you have questions about the Health Net coverage or services you are getting, call Health Net Member Services at the number on your Member ID card. If you have questions about how to qualify for Medi-Cal or need to update your mailing address, contact your county Medi-Cal office.
For questions about how immigration status may affect your health coverage, use DHCS resources. Or contact your county Medi-Cal office. Health Net cannot provide legal advice.