Health plan, county social services outline steps to keep members covered after state medical rule changes

State and local officials on March 11 explained a string of state medical program changes and described outreach to help affected residents retain coverage.

Celeste Armo of the Department of Social Services’ community benefits division summarized the schedule of changes, saying, “as of January 2026 for medical were the reinstatement of assets and the medical expansion freeze,” and that adults with unsatisfactory immigration status will be enrolled in restricted‑scope coverage with dental limited to emergency care beginning July 2026. She said the state plans six‑month renewals for many adults beginning January 2027, will shorten retroactive coverage windows for new applicants, and will add work or community‑engagement requirements for some adults in 2027. Armo also said premiums for certain groups are scheduled to begin in mid‑2027 and that co‑pays ranging…