Family Voices of California Newsletter

Happy New Year!
We’re starting the year with a few important updates for families, including a Save the Date for the FVCA Annual Health Summit & Family Advocacy Day, staff introductions, and what families need to know about changes to Medi-Cal in 2026.

📣 Save the Date: FVCA Annual Health Summit & Family Advocacy Day

Family Voices of California is heading to Sacramento — and we want you with us.

📅 FVCA Annual Health Summit: March 23
📅 Family Advocacy Day (Families Only): March 24
📍 Location: Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade & California State Capitol

Families are invited to apply for Family Advocacy Day on March 24

• March 23: Learn, connect, and build community at the FVCA Annual Health Summit

• March 24: Advocate alongside other families at the California State Capitol

Space is limited and registration and family application will open soon — save the date and plan to join us as we raise our voices together for families across California. 💙

👋 Meet the FVCA Team

We’re excited to introduce members of the Family Voices of California team supporting families across California.

Nancy Netherland
Senior Specialist, FVCA & Fundraising
Nancy brings decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and family advocate. She is widely recognized for her advocacy on behalf of children and youth with special health care needs and has supported families through policy work, coalition building, and community education at the local, state, and national levels. Her work is grounded in lived experience as a parent and a long-standing commitment to amplifying family voices across systems.

Margarita Spataro
Program Manager
With over 20 years of service to children and families in San Francisco, Margarita brings a deep understanding of family advocacy, early childhood systems, and community engagement. As a parent of a child with disabilities, she is deeply committed to ensuring families have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Her work spans nonprofit administration, systems improvement, and community-centered solutions that strengthen outcomes for children and families.

Medi-Cal (Medicaid) Updates

This year, California is making several changes to Medi-Cal eligibility and benefits that may affect some families — especially adults and those receiving long-term or disability-related coverage.

As of January 1, 2026, asset limits will return for certain Medi-Cal programs, meaning savings and other resources may once again be considered for eligibility. In addition, new enrollment into full-scope Medi-Cal for some adult immigrants has paused, while individuals already enrolled can remain covered if they complete renewals on time. Later in the year, adult dental benefits will change for some groups, while coverage for children and pregnant individuals will remain in place.

🌟 What Doesn’t Change for Most Families

If you’re already enrolled and eligible under current rules, your core Medi-Cal services (doctor visits, prescriptions, emergency care, etc.) stay the same as long as you keep up with your renewals and eligibility requirements.

📝 Quick Tips for Families

• Check your enrollment status and renewal deadlines — don’t let coverage lapse.

• Plan early if you think asset limits might affect your eligibility.

• Reach out to your county Medi-Cal office or a local assister if you’re unsure how these changes apply to your situation.

For families who want more detail, we’ve included a timeline document with additional information. Many children and families will not be affected by these changes. 

 *Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program.

**This communication is supported by private funding.