Since January 1, 2026, there have been major changes, to Medicare, Medi-Cal, and SNAP. These changes will continue to be implemented throughout the year. If you or a loved one is navigating, applying or continuing to receive any of these programs, it is important to stay informed about the current changes, and upcoming changes.
Medicare Changes in 2026
- Lower drug costs. If you have Medicare drug coverage (Part D), you will pay no more than $2,100 out of your own pocket for covered prescriptions in 2026. After you reach that amount, your covered prescriptions are free for the rest of the year. For more information on Medicare drug coverage (Part D) visit the following CMS Fact Sheet on Part D Redesign Program Instructions.
- Lower prices on 10 common drugs. Medicare has lowered the price of 10 prescription drugs and can be found at US Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Insulin costs are capped. Starting in January 2026, Medicare enrollees will now pay no more than $35 for a month’s supply of covered insulin.
- New colon cancer screening. Beginning January 1, 2026, Medicare will now cover virtual colonoscopies. You can get a virtual colonoscopy every two years if you’re 45 or older and at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk, you can get this test once every five years, or four after a previous sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. For more information visit gov.
- Telehealth is changing. Starting January 31, 2026, you must be in a physical office or medical facility located in a rural area for Medicare to cover most telehealth services. If you aren’t in a rural health care setting, you can still get certain Medicare telehealth services on or after January 31 for the following:
- Monthly End-Stage Renal Disease visits for home dialysis
- Services for diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke wherever you are, including in a mobile stroke unit
- Mental health and substances use care.
- Changes to SSBCI benefits. Beginning in 2026, Medicare Advantage Plans must now exclude non-healthy food, alcohol, tobacco, and life insurance under Special Supplemental Benefits for the chronically Ill (SSBCI). For more information on SSBCI changes in 2026, visit the CMS website.
Recent and upcoming Medi-Cal Changes
New limits on what you can own. Starting on January 1, 2026, the asset limit for Medi-Cal changed the amount of certain assets. The income rules have not changed.
- The maximum one person can own (asset limit) is $130,000 for one person.
- For every additional person in the household a household adds $65,000 for every person (up to 10 people)
Enrollment freezes for some individuals. As of January 1, 2026, full enrollment into Medi-Cal coverage has been frozen for some adults who do not have legal immigration status. This table provided by the California Department of Health Care Services details immigration status and changes to Medi-Cal Eligibility. For most individuals Medi-Cal is not changing.
Medi-Cal Changes and What You Need to Know – Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) details key dates for when Medi-Cal changes will go into effect, and what benefits are and are not impacted by Medi-Cal changes.
SNAP (CalFresh) Requirement Changes
Beginning on October 1, 2026, SNAP eligibility will be limited to only U.S citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- What you can do:
- If you are concerned that changes may impact, you or your family, read your notice carefully, as it should explain any SNAP changes that apply to you and your family.
- Contact your local CalFresh office, which can be found here.
- If you are being denied benefits you have the right to request fair hearing if you believe determination is wrong. You must submit your request in writing and within the deadline listed in your notice.
Need Help?
You do not have to figure this out alone. Free help is available:
- Contra Costa Senior Legal Services: Call us at 925-609-7900
- Medicare questions: Call 1-800-MEDICARE
- Medi-Cal questions: Call 866-663-3225
- CalFresh questions: Call 866-663-3225
- Health Consumer Alliance: Call 888-804-3536
