Medi-Cal Renewal FAQs

L.A. Care addresses many of the questions members have about renewing Medi-Cal coverage below. For any questions you may have that aren't covered, please call the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) number at 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026. You can also go to benefitscal.com.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), you have been able to keep your coverage regardless of any changes in your circumstances. However, once the COVID-19 PHE ends, your county will check to see if you still qualify for free or low-cost Medi-Cal.

If you or someone in your household receives a letter from the county asking for information about your Medi-Cal coverage, please provide the requested information. This will help the county ensure that your Medi-Cal coverage remains active.

Change in Circumstance

Please continue to report any changes in your household to your local county office. This includes changes to your income, disability status, phone number or mailing address. You should also report if someone in your household becomes pregnant, if someone moves in, or anything else that may affect your Medi-Cal eligibility. Reporting these changes may help you continue to receive Medi-Cal coverage after the end of the COVID-19 PHE. 
 

Reporting Contact Information 

It is important for the county to have your current contact information. Please report any changes in your contact information so you don't miss important information about your Medi-Cal coverage. Please report all updated contact information, such as your phone number, email address, or home address to your local county office online or by phone, email, fax or in person. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services also has a BenefitsCal guide, which has written instructions on the Medi-Cal renewal process. 

Do I need to report any household changes to keep my Medi-Cal coverage?

Yes. You are required to report any changes in your household, such as income, if someone becomes pregnant, a new household member, and any changes to your local county office. This may help ensure you continue to receive your Medi-Cal coverage after the end of the public health emergency. Go to benefitscal.com or call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) at 1-866-613-3777 Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) to report any changes.

Are we required to fill out and return renewal packets when we receive them?

Yes. It is important that Medi-Cal beneficiaries respond to county requests for updated information, including renewal packets. This will make sure the county has the most current information it needs to renew your Medi-Cal coverage. It will also help the county see if you qualify for no-cost or lower cost coverage.

Will I be discontinued from Medi-Cal if I got a raise during the COVID-19 public health emergency?

Please report income changes to your local county office. If your income goes up or your household changes, as long as the COVID-19 public emergency continues, you will not lose your Medi-Cal coverage.

I moved. Whom should I tell that I moved?

We can update your address for your managed care plan. It's important that we share this information with the county so you can continue receiving important notices about your Medi-Cal. Is that okay with you? If you do now want us to share your new address with your local county office, you will need to contact them directly and provide your updated information. Go to benefitscal.com or call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) at 1-866-613-3777 to update your information.

I received a renewal packet in the mail and need assistance filling it out. Can you help me?

Yes. L.A. Care is offering enrollment and renewal assistance through our Community Resource Centers. Please go to activehealthyinformed.org or call (877) 287-6290 to locate your closest Resource Center and make an appointment for telephonic or in person assistance.

Why do I have to renew my Medi-Cal?

Some Medi-Cal beneficiaries must renew their Medi-Cal benefits each year to keep their health care coverage. Keep your Medi-Cal benefits by renewing on time. Some members may be renewed automatically. If DPSS is able to automatically verify your income information, you will be sent an approval notice of action (NOA) letter. A renewal packet will be mailed to members annually if DPSS is able to automatically verify your income information. The forms in the packet must be filled out and returned to DPSS by the due date listed in the packet. If you have questions about renewing your health care coverage, please call DPSS.

How long do I have until I get disenrolled from Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal benefits will discontinue at the end of the renewal due month if the renewal packet is not returned. Members have up to 90 days from the effective date of discontinuance to provide the information needed to re-establish coverage. After 90 days, members will have to submit a new Medi-Cal application.

How do I update my information?

Correct personal information is important to get needed care and to renew your Medi-Cal coverage when it is due to prevent a gap in benefits. If your name has changed, you have moved to a different address, have a new telephone number, or need to report a correction to your personal information, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services at 1-866-613-3777 Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) or visit benefitscal.com.

What happens after I return my form?

The Los Angeles Department of Social Services (DPSS) will send you a letter to let you know if you still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. If additional information is needed to renew your coverage, DPSS will send you a letter requesting any missing information.