As we head into 2026, there are some important changes happening in health care. Some are CCPU Health Care Fund improvements, and others are federal health policy changes happening nationwide.
The most important thing to know:
The CCPU Health Care Fund is here to support childcare providers and help absorb these changes so you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Changes to the CCPU Health Care Fund (Effective January 1, 2026)
Annual Eligibility — Less Paperwork, More Stability
What’s changing:
CCPU is moving from quarterly eligibility reviews to annual eligibility.
How this helps you:
- You stay enrolled longer
- No quarterly eligibility checks
- Less paperwork
- Fewer interruptions to your benefits
Once you’re approved, you’re set for the year. Annual eligibility is designed to keep providers covered and focused on caring for children—not managing paperwork.
Increased Benefit Support for 2026
What’s changing:
Health care costs are increasing nationwide.
How the Fund is supporting you:
- Medicare Part B/C premium reimbursement increases from $185 to $202.90
- Higher Out-of-Pocket (OOP) limits:
- $9,800 for individuals
- $19,600 for families
As costs rise, your CCPU Health Care benefits increase too, helping protect your household budget.
Dental Benefits — Free Through the CCPU Health Care Fund
What’s changing:
Beginning July 2026, some Medi-Cal dental coverage will require a monthly premium.
How the Fund is supporting you:
- CCPU dental benefits remain free
- No monthly premium
- Available to use right away
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to select a dentist and start using your benefits. If your dental care is free through CCPU, there’s no reason to pay for it elsewhere.
Federal Health Policy Changes — and How the CCPU Health Care Fund Helps
Some changes in 2026 are happening at the federal level. While these changes are outside of CCPU’s control, the Health Care Fund is designed to help minimize their impact on child care providers.
Covered California (CCA) Premium Increases
What’s changing federally:
Enhanced federal subsidies that lowered Covered California premiums are ending. This may result in higher monthly premiums for some providers.
How the Fund helps:
If your Covered California premium increases, the CCPU Health Care Fund will reimburse your increased provider portion of the premium when you are enrolled in the Reimbursement Program. Be sure to remain enrolled in a Silver-level HMO plan.
There’s no need to panic or change plans — we’ve got you covered.
Medi-Cal Changes (Including Dental in July 2026)
What’s changing federally/statewide:
Some Medi-Cal benefits, including dental for certain adults, will begin requiring premiums in mid-2026.
How the Fund helps:
- Free dental benefits through the CCPU Health Care Fund
- Continued support for medical out-of-pocket expenses
- Help if you are transitioning between Medi-Cal, Covered California, or Medicare
Medicare Cost Increases
What’s changing federally:
Medicare premiums and cost-sharing are increasing nationwide in 2026.
How the Fund helps:
- Medicare premium reimbursement increases to match the new premium
- Continued help with medical out-of-pocket expenses
The Bottom Line
Health care rules may change — CCPU’s commitment to child care providers does not.
Annual eligibility means less stress.
Higher benefit limits mean more support.
Premium increases? We help pay them.
Free dental benefits? Use them.
And if you need help, real people are here to support you.
You care for children. We care for you.
Want to Learn More About Federal Health Changes?
Covered California updates:
https://www.coveredca.com/important-changes/
Medi-Cal changes:
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/changes.aspx
