California's Medi-Cal program covers more undocumented residents than any other state Medicaid program in the country. As of January 1, 2026, that coverage landscape shifted significantly. A new enrollment freeze now blocks most undocumented adults from entering full-scope Medi-Cal for the first time, while existing enrollees can keep their coverage if they act. This guide explains exactly who is affected, what coverage is still available, and what steps to take whether you are already enrolled or applying for the first time.
What Changed on January 1, 2026
California completed a multi-year expansion of Medi-Cal to undocumented residents in January 2024, when adults ages 26 to 49 became the final age group to gain full-scope eligibility. The expansion timeline looked like this:
- 2016: Undocumented children under 19 became eligible
- 2019: Undocumented young adults ages 19 to 25 added
- 2022: Undocumented seniors 50 and older added
- January 2024: Undocumented adults ages 26 to 49 added, completing universal income-based eligibility regardless of immigration status
That universal access lasted less than two years. Governor Newsom's 2025 budget proposal, driven by a projected state deficit, included a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for undocumented adults. That freeze took effect January 1, 2026.
The core change: Undocumented adults who were not enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal by December 31, 2025 can no longer enroll in full-scope coverage. New applicants who are undocumented and 19 or older are now limited to restricted-scope (emergency-only) Medi-Cal.
Who Is Still Eligible for Full-Scope Medi-Cal in 2026
The enrollment freeze does not apply to everyone. Several groups retain full-scope eligibility:
| Group | Full-Scope Eligible? |
|---|
| Undocumented children under 19 | Yes, new enrollment allowed |
| Pregnant people (any immigration status) | Yes, through one year postpartum |
| Former foster youth under 26 (in care at 18) | Yes |
| Undocumented adults already enrolled before Jan 1, 2026 | Yes, as long as renewal is completed on time |
| Undocumented adults applying for the first time after Jan 1, 2026 | No, restricted scope only |
| Adults with satisfactory immigration status (green card, refugee, asylee, etc.) | Yes |
| DACA recipients | Check current status; DACA is subject to federal court decisions |
The income limit for Medi-Cal has not changed. Eligibility is still based on income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (138% FPL) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 | $30,624 | $2,552 |
| 3 | $38,659 | $3,222 |
| 4 | $46,694 | $3,891 |
| 5 | $54,728 | $4,561 |
| Each additional person | +$8,035 | +$670 |
These figures are based on 2025 FPL guidelines. California does not impose asset limits for most Medi-Cal categories.
What Restricted-Scope Medi-Cal Covers
Undocumented adults who apply after January 1, 2026 and do not fall into a protected category (pregnancy, under 19, former foster youth) will qualify only for restricted-scope Medi-Cal. This is sometimes called emergency Medi-Cal.
Restricted-scope Medi-Cal covers:
- Emergency medical care (emergency room visits, stabilization)
- Pregnancy-related services (if you become pregnant, you qualify for full-scope coverage during pregnancy and through one year postpartum)
- Long-term care and nursing home services (note: proposed changes in 2026-2027 budgets may affect this)
- Emergency dental only: treatment for severe pain, infection, or tooth extractions
What restricted-scope does NOT cover:
- Routine doctor visits and preventive care
- Prescription drugs for non-emergency conditions
- Mental health services outside emergencies
- Vision care
- Full dental care (cleanings, fillings, crowns)
For adults who had full-scope coverage before January 1, 2026, dental benefits under full-scope coverage remain in place until July 1, 2026. After that date, those enrollees transition to emergency dental only.
Coming in 2027: Monthly Premiums
Under proposals in the 2025-2026 state budget, California plans to introduce a monthly premium starting July 1, 2027. Undocumented adults ages 19 to 59 who remain in full-scope Medi-Cal will be required to pay approximately $30 per month to keep their coverage. This does not affect eligibility in 2026, but existing enrollees should be aware the program is changing.
If You Are Already Enrolled: What to Do Now
If you were enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, your priority is completing renewals on time.
Key rule: If your coverage lapses, you have a 90-day window to restore it. If you miss that 90-day window, you become ineligible for full-scope re-enrollment and will only qualify for restricted scope going forward.
Steps to protect your existing coverage:
- Confirm your renewal date. Log in to BenefitsCal.com or call your county office to check when your annual renewal is due.
- Update your contact information. Make sure your address, phone number, and email are current in BenefitsCal. Renewal notices go to the address on file.
- Complete renewal on time. When the renewal form arrives, return it immediately with any requested documentation.
- Do not ignore notices. If you receive a letter saying your coverage will end, contact your county office within the 90-day restoration window.
Applying for the First Time in 2026
If you are an undocumented adult applying for Medi-Cal for the first time after January 1, 2026, you can still apply. The application will determine whether you qualify for full-scope (if you are pregnant, under 19, or a protected former foster youth) or restricted-scope coverage.
Step-by-step application process:
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Gather your documents. You will need proof of California residency (utility bill, lease, or similar), proof of income (pay stubs, employer letter, or self-attestation), and household size information. Social Security numbers are not required for undocumented applicants.
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Apply online at BenefitsCal.com. This is the main state portal. Select Medi-Cal and complete the application. You can self-attest your income if you do not have pay stubs.
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Apply by mail or in person. Download the SAWS 2 PLUS paper application from the county or pick one up at your local county Department of Social Services office. Completed applications can be mailed or dropped off.
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Apply by phone. Call your county's social services office. Los Angeles County: 1-866-613-3777. San Francisco County: 415-558-4700. For other counties, visit dhcs.ca.gov to find your county office.
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Work with a navigator or health center. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community clinics assist with Medi-Cal applications at no cost. Staff can help with the form and often speak multiple languages.
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Receive a determination letter. Counties must process Medi-Cal applications within 45 days. If you qualify for restricted scope, the letter will specify what services are covered.
Do not avoid applying out of fear. Applying for Medi-Cal does not trigger immigration enforcement. Immigration status information provided to Medi-Cal is protected by California state law and federal privacy rules. The California Attorney General has issued guidance reinforcing that Medi-Cal agencies are not permitted to share immigration information with federal enforcement agencies.
Immigration Status Categories That Affect Eligibility
California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) uses two main categories:
Satisfactory Immigration Status (SIS): Includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, certain visa holders with work authorization, PRUCOL individuals (Permanently Residing Under Color of Law), and others with recognized federal immigration status. These individuals can enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal if income-eligible.
Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS): Includes undocumented individuals, those without any formal immigration status documentation, and some others whose immigration status is not federally recognized for Medicaid purposes. This is the group subject to the enrollment freeze for full-scope Medi-Cal starting in 2026.
Groups with nuanced or changing eligibility include:
- DACA recipients: Previously in a legal gray zone. As of 2024, a federal rule extended ACA marketplace eligibility to DACA holders, but Medi-Cal eligibility for DACA depends on California state determinations, which have been subject to court proceedings.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders: Affected by the 2026 enrollment freeze.
- Asylum applicants with pending cases: Generally UIS for Medi-Cal purposes while case is pending.
If your immigration status is complex or changing, contact a certified enrollment counselor or legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Where to Get Help Applying
- BenefitsCal.com: The state's online application portal for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs
- Covered California certified enrollers: Can assist with Medi-Cal applications even if you are not applying for marketplace coverage
- Community health centers and FQHCs: Find one near you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
- Health Consumer Alliance: 1-888-804-3536, provides free patient advocacy and enrollment help
- County social services offices: In person or by phone in all 58 California counties
You can also use the free eligibility screening tool at BenefitsUSA.org/screener to check which programs you may qualify for based on your household size and income, and find next steps for your specific situation.
For more information about benefits programs available to California residents, visit our California benefits guide.
Summary Table: 2026 Medi-Cal Rules for Undocumented Adults
| Situation | Coverage Available |
|---|
| Already enrolled in full-scope before Jan 1, 2026 | Full-scope continues; renew on time |
| Already enrolled, coverage lapsed less than 90 days | Can restore full-scope within 90 days |
| Already enrolled, coverage lapsed more than 90 days | Restricted scope only going forward |
| New applicant, undocumented, age 19 or older, not pregnant | Restricted scope (emergency) only |
| New applicant, undocumented, under age 19 | Full-scope eligible |
| New applicant, undocumented, pregnant | Full-scope eligible through one year postpartum |
| New applicant, satisfactory immigration status, income eligible | Full-scope eligible |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does applying for Medi-Cal affect my immigration case?
Applying for Medi-Cal should not affect your immigration case under California's current rules. Medi-Cal is a state-funded program for undocumented adults, meaning it does not count as a "public charge" under federal immigration law for those receiving coverage through state-only funds. California law also prohibits Medi-Cal agencies from sharing immigration information with federal enforcement. That said, immigration law changes frequently, and if you have an active immigration case, it is worth consulting a legal aid immigration attorney before applying.
If I lost my Medi-Cal coverage in 2025 or early 2026, can I get it back?
If your coverage ended on or after January 1, 2026 and you are undocumented and 19 or older, you have a 90-day window from the date coverage ended to restore it. If you contact your county office within that window and complete the renewal, you can get full-scope coverage restored. After 90 days, you can only qualify for restricted scope going forward.
What counts as emergency care under restricted-scope Medi-Cal?
Emergency Medi-Cal covers care for conditions that require immediate treatment to prevent death or serious harm to health. This includes emergency room visits, ambulance services, emergency surgery, and stabilization for acute conditions. It covers treatment of the emergency, not follow-up or ongoing management of chronic conditions. Pregnancy care is also covered under restricted scope.
Do undocumented children still qualify for full Medi-Cal?
Yes. Children under 19 can enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status, and the 2026 enrollment freeze does not apply to them. Their parents may apply on their behalf through BenefitsCal.com or a county office.
Will the $30 monthly premium apply to me?
The premium is currently proposed to take effect July 1, 2027 for undocumented adults ages 19 to 59 who are in full-scope Medi-Cal. It does not apply in 2026. Details about how the premium will be collected and what happens if it is not paid are still being finalized by DHCS. Check dhcs.ca.gov for updates closer to the implementation date.
Can I get help applying if I do not speak English?
Yes. BenefitsCal.com is available in multiple languages, including Spanish. County offices must provide interpreter services at no cost. Community health centers and enrollment assisters across California offer application help in dozens of languages. You do not need to speak English to apply for Medi-Cal.
If I am not eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, are there other health options?
Potentially yes. Community health centers and FQHCs provide sliding-scale care based on income, often charging very low fees for uninsured patients. Some counties operate local health programs for low-income uninsured residents. If you have minor children, they may still qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal even if you do not. Contact a local health center or navigator to review all available options for your household.
