10/13/2025: Medi-CAL - Undocumented Adult Enrollment Freeze

When: starting January 1, 2026
Who: undocumented adults (age 19 and older)

• Medi-Cal says undocumented adults include people without satisfactory immigration status or unable to verify satisfactory immigration status
• Undocumented adults enrolled or applied by Dec. 31, 2025 can keep their Medi-Cal if they continue to qualify!
• All undocumented adults can still qualify for restricted-scope (emergency) Medi-Cal

ENROLL NOW!

• Last day to apply before enrollment freeze for undocumented adults starts: December 31, 2025

9/30/2025: Medi-Cal Changes for Adult Immigrants in 2026 and 2027

Starting January 1, 2026, undocumented adults (19+) must apply before that date to get Full-Scope Medi-Cal; afterward, only Emergency Medi-Cal will be available. On July 1, 2026, full dental coverage ends for many immigrants (including DACA recipients and some green card holders). By July 1, 2027, adults aged 19–59 in this group must pay a $30 monthly premium to keep coverage. Children, foster youth under 26, and pregnant/post-pregnant people will keep full Medi-Cal benefits with dental and no premiums.

Full details: View PDF

8/25/2025: An important note on data privacy

Federal law prohibits states from sharing personal information provided when applying for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. But, under the Trump administration, some data may be shared with immigration enforcement despite the fact that it is illegal. Public programs like Medicaid and SNAP can be very helpful, and you should balance the benefits with the risks of sharing information. Keep in mind that:

• Applying doesn’t increase risk if DHS already has your address, and stopping benefits won’t erase past data.
• You don’t need to share immigration status or Social Security numbers for non-applicant family members. Medicaid (except for long-term institutionalization at government expense) and SNAP are still excluded from public charge determinations.
• Immigrant applicants should weigh the benefits of using public programs against the risks of data-sharing and consult with a public benefits or immigration attorney for personalized guidance.

8/1/2025: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Covered California understands how vital access to health insurance is to the well-being of all Californians, and we’re committed to providing clear and accurate information regarding changes that could affect your ability to access care.

In June 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the 2025 Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule. This new rule revised the definition of "lawfully present" individuals who can sign up for health insurance through marketplaces like Covered California. As a result, DACA recipients are no longer eligible to purchase health insurance through Covered California.

If you are a DACA recipient currently enrolled in a health plan through Covered California, your insurance will end on Aug. 31, 2025. You may still qualify for other health insurance options, such as private health insurance or Medi-Cal, depending on your income and household size.

Resources

• Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• DACA Frequently Asked Questions

Feb 25, 2025: Executive Order Targeting Immigrants and Federal Assistance Programs

The executive order issued last week does not alter eligibility for federally funded public benefits. Undocumented individuals remain eligible for very few public benefits, which are typically protected by federal law and cannot be changed by executive order alone. Families should continue to use benefits they are eligible for until further notice. Check back for updates

Nov 12, 2024: Important Update for Immigrant Families

Despite the recent election, no immigration or public benefits rules have changed or are likely to change before January 20, 2025. We are closely monitoring any policy changes and will keep this page current with the latest information. Please check back here for updates and reliable guidance.

Nov 12, 2024: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Health Coverage Update

Starting November 1, 2024, people with DACA status can sign up for health and dental plans through Covered California. Those who qualify may get help paying for their plan.

DACA recipients have a special enrollment period from November 1 to December 31, 2024. To sign up, select "gained lawful presence" on the application. If you enroll in November, your coverage could start as soon as December 1, 2024.

This special enrollment period overlaps with Covered California’s open enrollment. This means DACA recipients can also sign up for health and dental plans for 2025 during this time.

Jan 1, 2024: Medi-Cal for All

• Starting in 2024, all low-income California residents may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of age or immigration status. Apply here.

• Getting Medi-Cal does not affect immigration status. *(unless used for long-term, institutional care, like a nursing home)

It has been a year since the Biden Administration Public Charge regulation became effective.  https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/dhss-public-charge-final-rule-goes-into-effect-on-dec-23

• The regulation confirms that getting CalFresh or Medi-Cal** does not affect your immigration options. **(unless used for long-term, institutional care, like a nursing home)
• For additional information on immigrants and benefits, refer to our Guide: https://keepyourbenefits.org/en/na/use-the-guide

May 1, 2023: Keep Your Medi-Cal

If you had Medi-Cal during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medi-Cal renewals are no longer automatic.

• Look for renewal papers in the mail from your county.
• If you’ve moved, make sure the county has your current contact information.

Want to renew your Medi-Cal?

• Complete your renewal forms when you receive them,
• Contact your county social services agency, or
• Renew online at: dhcs.ca.gov

Getting Medi-Cal does not affect immigration status.*

• Use the Guide: keepyourbenefits.org/en/ca/use-the-guide

California residents, ages 0-25 years & 50+ years, may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal  regardless of immigration status. Starting 2024, California residents of any age may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal.

*(unless used for long-term, institutional care)