
Answers to Your Questions about the New Law, H.R.1
We know you may have questions or worries about your Medi-Cal coverage during this time. Learn more about your right to health care, common questions about Medi-Cal, and how CenCal Health can help you get the care you need.
October 2025: Answers to Your Questions about Changes to Medi-Cal – English
October 2025: Answers to Your Questions about Changes to Medi-Cal – Spanish
On Immigration Status & Data Sharing
How does the California state budget affect undocumented Medi‑Cal members?
Recent changes in the California state budget, effective from 2026 onward, include significant modifications to Medi-Cal access for undocumented adults, such as:
- New applicants (age 19+): Not eligible for full Medi-Cal after Jan 1, 2026. Only eligible for limited-scope services.
- Current full‑scope members: Can maintain coverage without disruption, provided they renew properly. However, from Jan 2027, they’ll be asked to pay a $30 premium monthly.
- Services affected: Full dental benefits will end.
- Continued access: Emergency and pregnancy-related services remain available to all eligible undocumented individuals.
Are providers sent a member’s immigration status with their eligibility information?
No, CenCal Health does not send providers a member’s immigration status with their eligibility information.
Is CenCal Health sharing members’ immigration status with any government entities?
No, CenCal Health has not shared or been asked by any government entities for members’ immigration status.
Is CenCal Health being asked for member data by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
No, CenCal Health has not shared or been asked by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for member data.
How is CenCal Health approaching the issue of undocumented members skipping appointments due to fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
CenCal Health also offers a Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. Please call 1-800-524-5222 to consult with nurses regarding medical concerns, symptoms, medications, and more. Your provider may also offer services through telehealth, allowing you to access care from a location that works for you. Please contact your provider to find out the availability of these options.
How can members access the Department of Social Services (DSS) if they have questions about their Immigration Status?
Members can access DSS in one of two ways:
1. Call your local office directly:
- Santa Barbara County can be reached at 1-866-404-4007 or 1-844-289-4682.
- San Luis Obispo County:
- Arroyo Grande
1086 East Grand Avenue
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
805-474-2000 - Atascadero
9630 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
805-461-6000 - Morro Bay
600 Quintana Road
Morro Bay, CA 93442
805-772-6405 - Nipomo
681 West Tefft Street, Suite 1
Nipomo, CA 93444
805-931-1800 - Paso Robles
406 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
805-237-3110 - San Luis Obispo
3433 South Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805-781-1600
- Arroyo Grande
2. Call CenCal Health Member Services. Our team can facilitate a connection to DSS
by providing this same guidance and phone number. Our team can be reached at
1-877-814-1861.
How safe is it for undocumented members to attend their doctor’s appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids taking place in the area?
If you are hesitant about going in to a physical clinic, explore options like telehealth or home visitation programs. If you have concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may be able to offer guidance or take steps to ensure your safety during your appointment.
How does HR1 affect the State’s funding of CalAIM and ECM supports?
For now, CenCal is not expecting a disruption to CalAIM and Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services. DHCS intends to request renewal of most CalAIM initiatives under the 2027 Section 1115 and 1915(b) waivers.
I don't believe my immigration status is correct. How do I update this information?
Members can access DSS in one of two ways:
1. Call directly.
The Santa Barbara County can be reached at 1-866-404-4007 or 1-844-289-4682.
San Luis Obispo County offices:
Arroyo Grande
1086 East Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 474-2000
Atascadero
9630 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
(805) 461-6000
Morro Bay
600 Quintana Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442
(805) 772-6405
Nipomo
681 West Tefft Street Suite 1, Nipomo, CA 93444
(805) 931-1800
Paso Robles
406 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-3110
San Luis Obispo
3433 South Higuera, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-1600
2. Call CenCal Health.
Our Member Services team can facilitate a connection to DSS by providing this same guidance and phone number. Our team can be reached at 1-855-490-6837.
On Major Changes from H.R.1
What are the broader impacts of H.R.1 on Medicaid members, including cuts to SNAP, Planned Parenthood? What does it mean for my eligibility and access to services?
- H.R.1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, includes changes to programs that many Medicaid members rely on. Local impacts for CenCal members might include:
- Loss of health coverage due to stricter eligibility rules or new work requirements.
- Reduced access to food through SNAP.
- California and our local partners will work to ensure that the process for verifying work requirements will be as streamlined as possible.
How does HR1 impact member eligibility?
H.R.1 would allow states to add work requirements for Medicaid, which could result in some members losing coverage if they don’t meet reporting requirements — even if they are eligible. Work requirement policies in other states have shown that eligible people can lose coverage simply due to paperwork errors or confusion. H.R.1 also mandates more frequent eligibility redeterminations (every 6 months instead of annually) for the expansion population.
How does HR1 affect the State’s funding of CalAIM and ECM supports?
For now, CenCal is not expecting a disruption to CalAIM and Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services. DHCS intends to request renewal of most CalAIM initiatives under the 2027 Section 1115 and 1915(b) waivers.
On Medi-Cal Eligibility & Access to Healthcare
What support is available to members who lose eligibility during treatment or who have pending surgery?
There may be several options available for health care coverage. We recommend contacting your local Department of Social Services for information about Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits. Our Member Services Department at 1-877-814-1861 can also assist you with information about contacting your local Department of Social Services.
Will In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers’ income remain tax-exempt, and how would this change affect their Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits?
As long as the IHSS provider lives in the same home as the recipient, IHSS wages can be excluded from both federal and state income taxes. We recommend contacting your local Department of Social Services for information about Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits.
Where can CenCal Health members receive routine care in SLO County.
CenCal Health members have access to a dedicated Primary Care Provider. A Member can find their designated Primary Care Provider on their CenCal Health ID card. They can also contact our Member Services Department at 1-877-814-1861 to request to change to another provider or to get assistance in accessing care.