Medi-Cal Update 2026-1 California Residency

Revised California Residency Verification Requirements 

Date	References	Clerical	Implementation
2/23/26	ACWDL 26-04	N/A	02/23/26

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Background

California residency is a requirement of Medi-Cal (MC) eligibility; however, there is currently a State Waiver allowing MC applicants to be approved without providing proof of residency.

Changes

Beginning February 23, 2026, California residency verifications must be provided for all Medi-Cal applicants, and the waiver no longer applies. 

The current Medi-Cal handbook policies on residency requirements are valid, but the waiver verbiage will be removed. Refer to the Medi-Cal handbook Verification of Residency topic for a list of acceptable verifications.

Update to the Current Medi-Cal Residency Policy

If residency is electronically verified for the primary applicant, the verification applies to all other household members. 

If the primary applicant's residency is not electronically verified, acceptable verifications must be provided for all adult household members.

 

Reminder: Verification of residency is not a requirement for children. 

Implementation

February 23, 2026.

Data Systems

Beginning February 23, 2026, CalHEERS will be programmed to electronically verify residency. 

Forms

All applicable Notices of Action are available in CalSAWS. 

SSBS Supervisor

Please review this information with the staff immediately.

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Department of Employment & Benefits Services

Contact Person(s): Manuel Garcia, Megan Turney, SSA BPIS, 408-755-7540