Adult Immigrants

Starting January 1, 2026, applicants who meet the following criteria will only be eligible for restricted-scope Medi-Cal coverage:

• Age 19 or older,
• Do not have satisfactory immigration status, and
• Are not pregnant.

Restricted-scope Medi-Cal covers emergency care including emergency dental services, maternity and post-partum care, and Long-Term Care services.

If You Currently Have UIS and Full-Scope Medi-Cal

• You may remain covered regardless of immigration status.
• To keep your full-scope coverage, you must:
  • Complete your renewal form on time; and
  • Continue to meet eligibility requirements (such as income and California residency).
• If you do not renew on time, your coverage may end.

If Your Medi-Cal Ends

• You have a three-month grace period from the date listed on your Notice of Action to re-enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal.
• If you do not re-enroll during the grace period, but still want Medi-Cal, you will have to submit a new application.
• If submitting a new application, you may only qualify for restricted-scope Medi-Cal.

Who Can Still Qualify for Full-Scope Medi-Cal (Regardless of Immigration Status)

• Children ages 0-18;
• Pregnant individuals (during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum); and
• Former Foster Youth under age 26 who were in Foster Care on their 18th birthday.

Starting July 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will stop covering non-emergency dental care for some adult Medi-Cal members with UIS.

Coverage name:  Full Scope Medi-Cal with No Dental.

What Stays the Same?
Full scope Medi-Cal with no Dental covers these services and more:

• Medical care;
• Medicine your doctor orders;
• Specialty care;
• Mental health care;
• Family planning and maternity care;
• Emergency care (includes dental emergencies);
• Tests your doctor orders;
• Medical supplies;
• Alcohol and drug use treatment;
• Transportation to the doctor and to get prescriptions;
• In-home care and supports to help avoid nursing home care;
• Vision (eyeglasses);
• Hearing aids; and
• Foot care.

You can still get care for emergency dental needs, including:

• Serious tooth pain;
• Infections; and
• Tooth extractions.

You will also get full-scope dental if:

• You are pregnant (and you will get it for one year after your pregnancy ends); or
• You are a Former Foster Youth under age 26 who was in Foster Care on your 18th birthday.

What To Do Now

• Use your dental services until June 30, 2026;
• Complete & return your renewal packet on time; and
• Stay covered (don't lose your Medi-Cal coverage for more than 3 months).

For more information, please see these Frequently Asked Questions in the Department of Health Care Services webpage.

Starting July 1, 2027, some adults with UIS may need to pay a monthly fee (called premium) for Medi-Cal.

If this Change Applies to You

• You will need to pay a small fee each month to keep your full-scope Medi-Cal coverage.
• If you don't pay, your Medi-Cal coverage will change.
• If your Medi-Cal coverage ends you will only get restricted Medi-Cal, which covers emergency care including emergency dental services, maternity and post-partum care, and Long-Term Care services.

You Will Not Have to Pay a Premium if You Are

• Pregnant, and for one year after your pregnancy ends; or
• A Former Foster Youth under age 26 and were in Foster Care on your 18th birthday.