Do you have a white card but can’t see the original doctor? Chinese people should pay attention to this change next year

to passwhite card (Medi-Cal), you may not be able to see a doctor as scheduled next year. Experts point out that the medical treatment methods for some immigrants with white cards will change in 2027, and the public should pay attention to the notice to confirm whether they are affected.

At Christian Corner Medical Center (HCHC)los angeles At a press conference co-organized by the county Neighborhood Legal Service Center (NLSLA) on October 30, NLSLA legal assistant Mona Lao said that starting January 1, 2027, some immigrants will be moved from the existing white card managed care plan to a “fee-for-service” model.

Simply put, services were arranged through the medical scheme to which they belonged; After the switch, doctors who accept this type of white card provide services and then bill the white card. “Payment for service” refers to how White Card makes payments to medical entities. In this, patients do not need to pay from their pocket every time they visit the doctor.

For patients, the most important thing to note is that the clinic that originally accepted their medical plan may not also accept a converted white card. Therefore, you can’t just ask “Do you accept white cards?”, but you should further confirm “Do you accept white cards as payment for service?” Both family physicians and specialists should confirm this to avoid arriving at the clinic and finding that they cannot see you as originally scheduled.

Lena Silver, an attorney and director of policy and administrative advocacy at the center, said the change affects only some immigrants. Citizens who have held green cards for five years or more, as well as many immigrant children, pregnant women and postpartum people are exempt groups.

Insurance renewal also cannot be ignored. Mona Lao reminded that some non-citizens affected by the new comprehensive white card registration restrictions, if they already have a white card, should respond to the renewal notice and submit additional information in time. If the policy is canceled due to incomplete renewal, you must apply for a new policy within 90 days to restore your eligibility; After the deadline, you will not be able to get a comprehensive white card again, and you can only apply for an emergency white card.

Work requirements apply to adults ages 19 to 64. Mona Lao said the relevant requirement is at least 20 hours of work, training or volunteering per week, but there are exemptions. Some people who are sick, mentally or physically disabled, pregnant, or within 12 months of giving birth, as well as those who care for children under 13 or people with disabilities, may be eligible for an exemption. You cannot think that just because you are not working, you will definitely lose your white card.

The frequency of eligibility reviews will also change. Mona Lao said that under the arrangement starting from March 1, 2027, certain adults aged 19 to 64 who are not recognized as mentally or physically disabled will have to renew their white card eligibility every 6 months. Silver stressed that not everyone needs to be reviewed every six months, and people over the age of 65 do not fall into the age range described this time.

If the public is not sure whether the original doctor accepts the converted white card, they should confirm directly with the clinic. If they have questions about white card eligibility, insurance renewals or interruptions in coverage, they can seek assistance from professional organizations such as the Los Angeles County Neighborhood Legal Services Center or Christians Corner Medical Center, which have insurance advisors.