California Medi-Cal renewal hearings: the 120-day window is still in effect

If Medi-Cal makes a decision on your renewal and you disagree, you can ask for a state hearing. Right now you have 120 days from the date the notice was mailed, instead of the usual 90. This is temporary and can end, so plan around 90 days.

What's changing

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) runs state hearings. For hearings about Medi-Cal renewals (also called redeterminations), CDSS now allows 120 days from the date the notice of action is mailed. The usual window is 90 days.

This is a temporary extension. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved it when Medi-Cal renewals started again. CDSS's wording was checked again on October 19, 2026. It says:

"The temporary extension for Medi-Cal members to request a fair hearing is effective April 1, 2023 and remains effective until further notice."

That is from the CDSS State Hearing Requests page.

Because it can end, 90 days is still the deadline to plan around.

Who it affects (and who it doesn't)

This affects Medi-Cal members who want to appeal a renewal (redetermination) decision.

It does not change other state hearings. County service actions and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) hearings keep the standard 90-day window.

Key dates

• April 1, 2023: The temporary extension took effect.

There is no end date yet. It lasts until further notice.

What you can do

1. If you get a notice about your Medi-Cal renewal, look for the date it was mailed.
2. If you disagree with it, ask for a hearing well within 90 days. Do not count on the extra time.
3. Keep a copy of the notice and of your hearing request.

State hearing requests: CDSS State Hearings Division, (800) 743-8525, cdss.ca.gov/hearing-requests