Santa Cruz County health officials are informing local immigrant residents about significant changes to the Medi-Cal program set to take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes will impact enrollment processes and eligibility for individuals with an Unsatisfactory Immigration Status. The county aims to ensure that affected residents understand how to maintain their health coverage amid these developments.
Details on Medi-Cal Changes
Beginning in 2026, California will discontinue full state-funded Medi-Cal coverage for residents classified under Unsatisfactory Immigration Status. Despite this, the enrollment window will remain open through the end of 2025, allowing individuals to access medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits. Those who enroll within this timeframe will retain access to the program beyond the January deadline, provided they maintain their enrollment status.
Irma Marquez, director of the Human Services Department’s Employment and Benefit Services Division, emphasized the importance of timely enrollment. “If you already have Medi-Cal or if you enroll before January, you can stay enrolled in full scope Medi-Cal regardless of your immigration status,” she stated. “Medi-Cal rules are changing for people who are undocumented or in the UIS category and applying for coverage for the first time after January 1, 2026.”
For residents under 19 years old and pregnant individuals who are not currently enrolled, full Medi-Cal coverage will remain available beyond January 1, 2026. This provision aims to ensure that vulnerable populations continue to receive essential health services.
Understanding Unsatisfactory Immigration Status
The term “Unsatisfactory Immigration Status” refers to individuals whose immigration situation does not meet the requirements for full Medi-Cal benefits. This could be due to being in a non-accepted category or because their status has not been verified, according to the California Department of Health Care Services.
Currently, approximately 95% of Santa Cruz County’s nearly 260,000 residents possess health insurance. Local health experts note that high insurance rates benefit the entire community by lowering overall healthcare costs, which helps prevent the burden of uncompensated care on local providers such as hospitals.
Additional changes to the Medi-Cal program will emerge in 2026. These include a requirement for enrollees with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status to renew their coverage every six months and a new monthly premium of $30. Failure to pay this premium for three consecutive months may result in loss of coverage. However, enrollees can regain full-scope coverage, excluding dental care, if they repay the premium within 90 days.
Community Support and Resources
County officials are committed to prioritizing the health of all residents. Connie Moreno-Peraza, director of the county Health Services Agency, highlighted ongoing efforts to address the basic healthcare needs of low-income and uninsured residents. “We will continue to meet the basic health care needs of our low-income and uninsured residents through our County Health Centers, working alongside community partners to help keep community members informed of changes that may impact their access to or eligibility for healthcare coverage,” she stated.
Residents can find information about local social safety net services on the county’s website at santacruzcountyca.gov/Sanctuary.aspx. The Employment and Benefit Services Division can be contacted at 888-421-8080 for assistance. For Medi-Cal dental provider information, community members can visit smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call customer service at 800-322-6384. More details about Medi-Cal are also available on the California Department of Health Care Services website at dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/changes.aspx.
