Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals and families may have important protections as federal and California benefit rules change. Qualifying Native people may be exempt from certain new work requirements and eligibility reviews, but the rules differ by program.
- Medi-Cal: Qualifying AI/AN members are exempt from the new six-month eligibility review requirement but must still complete annual renewals and respond to county requests for information. Some members may receive Medi-Cal through Fee-for-Service instead of a health plan. Medi-Cal still pays for covered care, and members may visit any doctor or clinic that accepts Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service.
- CalFresh: Beginning June 1, 2026, certain adults ages 18–64 must meet new work or community-engagement requirements. California exempts people who identify as an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Regular CalFresh recertification and reporting requirements still apply.
- California Subsidized Child Care: Child-care programs have separate eligibility rules. Exemptions under Medi-Cal or CalFresh do not automatically apply to child care. Families should know which program they participate in and respond to eligibility and recertification notices by the deadline.
- Mixed-Status Families: Native identity and immigration status are separate eligibility considerations. Each household member’s eligibility should be reviewed individually. The notice of a change for one person does not automatically mean that other family members lose their benefits.
What families should do: Read all benefit notices, confirm that Native status is correctly recorded, keep contact information current, submit requested information promptly, and seek an individual review if a decision appears incorrect. Ask about applicable Native exemptions and appeal or fair-hearing rights before benefits are reduced or terminated.
Important: Do not cancel benefits or assume an entire household has lost eligibility because one member receives a notice. Ask the relevant agency to review each household member and benefit program separately.
Please read the full PDF here.
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