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 or within your 12 month postpartum period; or
• A Former Foster Youth under age 26 and were 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.
• Your Medi-Cal coverage will change to restricted Medi-Cal if you do not pay the monthly premium.
• You will only get restricted Medi-Cal if your Medi-Cal coverage ends for any reason and you do not reinstate your Medi-Cal within the three month grace period.  

Restricted Medi-Cal 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 or within your 12 month postpartum period; or
• A Former Foster Youth under age 26 and were in Foster Care on your 18th birthday.