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California offers more health coverage options for undocumented immigrants than most other states. Whether you are undocumented, have DACA status, or live in a mixed-status household with some family members who are citizens or legal residents and others who are not, you have access to certain health programs and coverage options in California.
Key takeaway: California’s Medi-Cal program covers eligible undocumented adults and children regardless of immigration status, making it one of the most inclusive states for immigrant health coverage. Mixed-status families can also apply for coverage, and applying for yourself or your children will NOT affect immigration status or future applications for legal residency. Your health information is protected and confidential.
2026 Policy Changes for Undocumented Residents
Starting January 1, 2026, California implemented significant changes to Medi-Cal eligibility for undocumented residents.
What Changed on January 1, 2026:
- New full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment frozen for undocumented adults ages 19-59
- New applicants without Satisfactory Immigration Status (SIS) now receive emergency and pregnancy coverage only
- Current enrollees can keep full-scope coverage by renewing on time
- Children under 19 remain eligible for full-scope coverage regardless of status
- Pregnant individuals remain eligible for full-scope coverage regardless of status
Additional Changes Coming:
- July 1, 2026: Dental coverage reduced to emergency-only for undocumented adults with full-scope Medi-Cal
- July 1, 2027: $30/month premium required for undocumented adults with full-scope coverage
Who Qualifies for Full-Scope Medi-Cal in 2026
You CAN still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal if you are:
- Under age 19 (children and teens), regardless of immigration status
- Pregnant, regardless of immigration status
- Currently enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026 (must renew on time)
- Holders of certain immigration statuses: U-Visa, T-Visa, Asylees, Refugees, VAWA self-petitioners
- DACA recipients who meet income requirements
Income limits for full-scope Medi-Cal (138% FPL):
- Single person: Up to $1,800/month ($21,597/year)
- Family of 2: Up to $2,432/month ($29,187/year)
- Family of 3: Up to $3,065/month ($36,777/year)
- Family of 4: Up to $3,697/month ($44,367/year)
Children under 19 have higher income limits (266% FPL):
Approximately $87,780/year for a family of four.
Emergency Medi-Cal for Undocumented Adults
If you are an undocumented adult ages 19-59 and apply for Medi-Cal after January 1, 2026, you qualify for Emergency Medi-Cal, which covers:
What Emergency Medi-Cal Covers:
- Emergency medical conditions including serious illness or injury
- Labor and delivery (pregnancy-related emergency care)
- Emergency surgery and hospitalization
- Dialysis for kidney failure
- Treatment for life-threatening conditions
What Emergency Medi-Cal Does NOT Cover:
- Routine doctor visits
- Preventive care and checkups
- Prescription medications (except during emergency treatment)
- Ongoing treatment for chronic conditions
- Dental care (except emergency extractions)
- Vision care
Emergency Medi-Cal coverage ends when the emergency condition is resolved.
Full Medi-Cal Coverage for Pregnant Individuals
Pregnant people qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, even after the January 1, 2026 changes. This includes comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum care.
Pregnancy-Related Medi-Cal Covers:
- Prenatal care and checkups throughout pregnancy
- Labor and delivery
- Postpartum care
- Prescription medications
- Emergency services
- Hospital care
Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant People
You can receive immediate temporary coverage for up to 60 days while your full application is processed by applying through qualified providers (clinics, doctors, community health centers). Presumptive Eligibility covers ambulatory prenatal services and prescriptions, but does not cover labor and delivery.
Keeping Your Coverage if Already Enrolled
If you enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, you can keep your coverage by completing your annual renewal on time.
Critical Actions to Maintain Coverage:
- Complete your annual Medi-Cal renewal when notified (do not miss the deadline)
- Update your address and contact information immediately if you move
- Report income changes within 30 days
- Respond to any requests for information or documentation promptly
Important Deadlines:
- Schedule dental services before July 1, 2026 (full dental coverage ends for undocumented adults on this date)
- Plan for $30/month premium starting July 1, 2027 if you remain on full-scope coverage
If you miss your renewal deadline, you will lose full-scope coverage and only qualify for emergency Medi-Cal going forward.
Privacy and Immigration Enforcement Concerns
Important Update on Data Sharing:
While Medi-Cal eligibility information is generally confidential, recent federal court decisions have allowed immigration authorities to access state Medicaid enrollment data. This means federal agencies (including ICE) may have access to information about Medi-Cal enrollees, including names, addresses, and immigration status.
What You Should Know:
- Federal law requires California to share monthly Medicaid enrollment data with federal authorities
- Immigration enforcement agencies may use this data to locate undocumented individuals
- California continues to emphasize that information is collected for eligibility purposes only
- Using Medi-Cal will not automatically trigger immigration enforcement
Protecting Yourself:
- Only provide necessary information when applying (do not volunteer additional details)
- You are NOT required to provide Social Security numbers or immigration status for family members who are not applying
- Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about applying for benefits
- Seek assistance from trusted community organizations that specialize in immigrant services
Resources for Immigration Concerns:
- California Department of Social Services Immigration Services Bureau
- Health Consumer Alliance: 888-804-3536
- Local immigrant rights organizations
Health Coverage for Mixed-Status Families
Families with members of different immigration statuses can still apply for coverage, with each person receiving the benefits they qualify for based on their individual status.
How Mixed-Status Households Apply:
- Each family member applies for the coverage they are eligible for
- U.S. citizen or legal resident family members can still get full-scope Medi-Cal
- Undocumented children under 19 can get full-scope Medi-Cal
- Undocumented adults 19-59 (new applicants) receive emergency coverage only
- Pregnant family members get full-scope coverage regardless of status
- Household income from all members is counted for eligibility
Example: Maria is an undocumented adult who applied for Medi-Cal in February 2026. Her two children (ages 8 and 12) are U.S. citizens. Under the new rules, Maria qualifies only for Emergency Medi-Cal, but her children qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal based on the family’s combined income. The children receive comprehensive coverage while Maria has emergency coverage only.
Applying for Children Does Not Affect Parents:
- Parents do not need to provide their immigration status to apply for their children
- Applying for your children’s coverage will not trigger immigration enforcement against you
- Children’s Medi-Cal eligibility is based on household income, not parent’s immigration status
Alternative Health Coverage Options
If you do not qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal under the new 2026 rules, you have other options:
Community Health Centers:
- Provide care regardless of immigration status or insurance
- Sliding fee scale based on income
- Primary care, dental, mental health, prescriptions
- No one turned away for inability to pay
- Find centers at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
County Indigent Programs:
- Many California counties offer health programs for low-income residents
- Eligibility and services vary by county
- Contact your county health department
Private Health Insurance:
- You can purchase unsubsidized private health insurance directly from insurance companies
- No immigration status requirement
- You will NOT qualify for Covered California or federal subsidies
- Costs are significantly higher without subsidies
Common Questions About 2026 Policy Changes
I enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal in 2024. Can I keep it?
Yes, if you complete your annual renewal on time and continue to meet income requirements. Do not miss your renewal deadline or you will lose full-scope coverage and only qualify for emergency Medi-Cal going forward.
My child was born in the U.S. but I am undocumented. Can my child get Medi-Cal?
Yes. U.S. citizen children qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal based on household income regardless of parents’ immigration status. Undocumented children under 19 also qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal. The January 2026 changes do not affect children.
I am pregnant and undocumented. Can I still get full Medi-Cal?
Yes. Pregnant individuals qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status even after the January 2026 policy changes. You can receive comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum care.
Will applying for Medi-Cal affect my immigration status or future applications?
Receiving Medi-Cal (including emergency Medi-Cal) is generally not considered in public charge determinations. However, recent changes mean federal authorities may access Medicaid enrollment data. Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about how applying for benefits might affect your specific immigration situation.
What happens to my dental coverage?
If you are an undocumented adult with full-scope Medi-Cal, your dental coverage will be reduced to emergency-only services starting July 1, 2026. Schedule any needed dental work (fillings, crowns, cleanings) before this date.
What is the $30 premium starting in 2027?
Beginning July 1, 2027, undocumented adults with full-scope Medi-Cal will be required to pay a $30/month premium to maintain coverage. This applies to those who enrolled before January 1, 2026 and maintained continuous coverage.
Get Help Understanding Your Options
The 2026 policy changes are complex and may affect your coverage differently depending on your specific situation. Free assistance is available from:
Where to Get Help:
- Health Consumer Alliance: 888-804-3536
- California Department of Social Services Immigration Services Bureau
- Community health centers with certified enrollment counselors
- County Medi-Cal offices
- Immigrant rights organizations
Warning About Scams: Assistance with Medi-Cal applications is FREE. Never pay anyone to help you apply for Medi-Cal. Be cautious of people charging fees for application help.
Summary
- As of January 1, 2026, new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment is frozen for undocumented adults ages 19-59
- Children under 19 and pregnant individuals can still enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status
- Current enrollees can keep full-scope coverage by completing annual renewals on time
- New undocumented adult applicants (19-59) receive emergency and pregnancy coverage only
- Federal authorities may access Medi-Cal enrollment data for immigration enforcement purposes
- Full dental coverage for undocumented adults ends July 1, 2026
- $30/month premium begins July 1, 2027 for undocumented adults with full-scope coverage
- Community health centers provide care regardless of immigration status or insurance
Your immigration status should not prevent you or your family from accessing health care in California. Take advantage of the coverage options available to you.
For official information about 2026 policy changes, visit dhcs.ca.gov or call 1-800-541-5555.
For more information about California health coverage programs and eligibility requirements, visit our California Health Coverage Eligibility Guide.
For more information about California health coverage programs and eligibility requirements, visit our California Health Coverage Eligibility Guide.
Important Note: Income limits and eligibility rules are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. The information provided here is for general educational purposes and should not be considered definitive.
Always verify current income limits and eligibility requirements at:
- Official Medi-Cal website: dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal
- Official Covered California website: coveredca.com
- Or by speaking with a licensed insurance agent
Last verified: 02/01/2026