Medi-Cal for People with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status

Recent federal policy changes will affect Medi-Cal members with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS). If you already have Medi-Cal, the best way to keep your coverage is to renew it on time. Watch your mail for a renewal packet and fill it out right away.

Starting January 1, 2026

If you lose your Medi-Cal and need to reapply, you might not get full benefits again if you have UIS. This means you could lose access to regular doctor visits, checkups, and specialist care.

• Children under 19 can still get full-scope Medi-Cal if they qualify, no matter their immigration status.
• If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal and still meet other eligibility requirements, you’ll stay covered regardless of your immigration status — but only if you renew it on time.
• To learn more about immigration status and Medi-Cal, visit the DHCS website.

Starting July 1, 2026

Adult Medi-Cal members who have UIS will no longer have dental benefits.

• Emergency dental care (such as treatment for severe pain or infection and tooth extractions) will still be covered for everyone, no matter their immigration status.
• If you are pregnant and do not have satisfactory immigration status, you will keep getting full dental benefits during pregnancy and up to one year after the pregnancy ends.

Starting July 1, 2027

Certain adult Medi-Cal members (ages 19-59) who have UIS must pay $30 per month to keep full scope Medi-Cal.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Green card holders not exempt from the five-year waiting period, who have had their permanent resident status for less than five years.
• PRUCOL (e.g., with temporary protected status or refugee status).
• People with no immigration status, but who currently qualify under past Medi-Cal expansions.
• People enrolled through a trafficking or crime victim assistance program.
• Lawfully present immigrants who are older than age 20 and not pregnant.

If premiums are not paid, coverage will be reduced to emergency and pregnancy-only services.

We will provide more details as they become available.