21 Nov County Urges Undocumented Immigrants to Enroll in Medi-Cal by End of 2025

(Contra Costa Health Services via Bay City News)

CC Pulse Staff Report

Contra Costa County urges adult county residents who don’t have health insurance or legal status to enroll in Medi-Cal while they may still be eligible. 

Beginning Jan. 1, anyone 19 or older with what the state calls unsatisfactory immigration status will no longer be able to enroll for full Medi-Cal benefits. UIS includes undocumented residents and others who do not meet federal eligibility criteria. The change in eligibility is the result of state budget cuts, officials said. 

“We want undocumented members of our community to know they need to act quickly and sign up for Medi-Cal before it’s too late,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen. “Enrolling now will ensure they’re covered when the rules change.” 

Residents with UIS status enrolled in Medi-Cal before Jan. 1, 2026, will be able to keep and renew most of their benefits. Adults 19 and older will lose dental coverage beginning in July. 

“Under the new rules starting on January 1, 2026, it is very important for Medi-Cal recipients who meet the definition of UIS, to stay in contact with the county and check their mail for any notices or renewal forms,” said Marla Stuart, director of the county Employment & Human Services Department, in a press release Wednesday. “One good way to stay in touch is to create an account in Benefits Cal.”  

Current Medi-Cal recipients with unsatisfactory immigration status who do not renew on time will lose their full coverage, she added. And they will be only eligible for emergency services if they reapply. 

Once the new rules take effect, immigration status will not affect Medi-Cal coverage for children under 19, pregnant women and infants. Adults 19 and older who are classified as UIS will still be able to receive Emergency Medi-Cal, which covers emergency medical treatment. 

Medi-Cal is the name for Medicaid in California. Eligibility is primarily determined by income, but other factors can apply such as age and enrollment in other programs. The state Department of Health Care Services offers a simple online questionnaire to help you figure out whether you are likely to qualify for Medi-Cal. 

“Sign up today. Having Medi-Cal is one of the best investments you can make in your health,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, CEO of Contra Costa Health. “Whether it is through a primary provider, specialist, in urgent care or in the emergency room, having Medi-Cal it key to getting healthcare for you and your family.” 

In Contra Costa, residents can call EHSD at (866) 663-3225 for information about enrolling in Medi-Cal or apply online at BenefitsCal.com. DHCS also provides information on what Medi-Cal is and what it covers, as well as qualifying and applying for and maintaining coverage. 

For additional information, read the Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQs.