Medi-Cal Update: Changes Related to Coverage for Undocumented Individuals

California has recently made changes to Medi-Cal eligibility that will significantly affect undocumented individuals. Starting January 1, 2026, adults aged 19 and older who are undocumented – referred to by policymakers as ‘Unsatisfactory Immigration Status’ (SIS) – will no longer be able to enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. This change is due to budget reductions and a state decision to roll back recent expansions. Here’s what you need to know:

What This Means for Undocumented Individuals who are already enrolled or want to enroll: 

Already-Enrolled Undocumented Adults (Age 19+)

If you are already enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal, you may keep your coverage after 2026 as long as you complete your annual renewal on time. You will NOT lose coverage solely due to your immigration status. However, important changes to your benefits are scheduled:

• Dental benefits end July 1, 2026, for undocumented/UIS adults (DHCS, “Immigrant Eligibility FAQ”).

• Starting July 1, 2027, a $30 monthly premium will be required for undocumented/UIS adults aged 19–59 who remain in full-scope coverage (DHCS, “Immigrant Eligibility FAQ”).

Adults (19+) Seeking to Enroll for the First Time After Jan 1, 2026

You cannot newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal if you are undocumented or have another form of “Unsatisfactory Immigration Status.” Instead, you may still qualify for:

• Emergency Medi-Cal (restricted-scope),

• Pregnancy-related Medi-Cal,

• Post-partum Medi-Cal

Children (0–18), Pregnant People, and Post-Partum Individuals

Children 0–18, regardless of immigration status, remain eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. Pregnant adults, regardless of immigration status, remain eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal up to 12 months postpartum.

A Word of Warning to our Undocumented Community:

If you are undocumented and are either already enrolled or considering enrolling in Medi-Cal, be aware that in 2025, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) disclosed that Medi-Cal enrollee data had been shared with federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This shared information included names, addresses, dates of birth, and other identifying details. Though California and several other states sued the federal government and won, that does not erase the data already shared, and the possibility of something similar happening in the future.

We advise our undocumented community to consider whether maintaining their Medi-Cal enrollment or enrolling in the near future is a risk they are willing to take. 

Alternatives for Care (Regardless of Immigration Status):

Clinics and Programs Explicitly Serving Undocumented Patients

• My Health LA (MHLA) – LA County program offering primary care to low-income residents without requiring legal immigration status.

• Venice Family Clinic – Serves patients “regardless of immigration or insurance status.”

• St. John’s Community Health – Long-standing immigrant-serving clinic network; offers care regardless of immigration status.

• LA County Department of Health Services Clinics (e.g., Central Health Center) – The County states it provides care to everyone regardless of immigration status.

• Universal Community Health Center (UCHC) – Community clinic network serving uninsured and underserved patients; accepts undocumented patients and offers sliding-scale fees.

• CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) – Not a clinic, but provides referrals, legal support, and connections to health services for undocumented people.

Works Cited

California Department of Health Care Services. “Medi-Cal Changes.” dhcs.ca.gov, 2025, https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/eligibility/Pages/medi-cal-changes.aspx.

California Department of Health Care Services. “Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQs.” dhcs.ca.gov, 2025, https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/keep-your-Medi-Cal/Pages/Medi-Cal-Immigrant-Eligibility-FAQs.aspx.

California Department of Health Care Services. “Statement: Federal Use of Medi-Cal Data.” dhcs.ca.gov, 13 June 2025, https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/oc/Pages/2025/25-20-Statement-Federal-Use-Medi-Cal-Data-6-13-25.aspx.

California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. “Attorney General Bonta Secures Preliminary Relief Blocking California’s Medicaid Data from Being Used for Immigration Enforcement.” oag.ca.gov, 2025, https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secures-preliminary-relief-blocking-california’s-medicaid.

Disability Rights California. “Medicaid Policy Changes in California: Who, What, When, and Why?” disabilityrightsca.org, 2025, https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/publications/medicaid-policy-changes-in-california-who-what-when-and-why.

Justice in Aging. “Reinstatement of Medi-Cal Asset Limit: Frequently Asked Questions.” justiceinaging.org, 2025, https://justiceinaging.org/reinstatement-of-medi-cal-asset-limit-faq/.