Santa Cruz County health officials are informing the local immigrant community about significant changes to the Medi-Cal enrollment process that will take effect starting January 1, 2026. These adjustments will particularly affect residents with an Unsatisfactory Immigration Status, but there are provisions to maintain coverage for those who act promptly.
Changes to Enrollment and Coverage
Beginning in 2026, California will discontinue full state-funded Medi-Cal coverage for residents classified under Unsatisfactory Immigration Status. Despite this change, the enrollment window will remain open throughout 2025. Individuals with this status can still enroll to receive comprehensive medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits, allowing them to retain access to the program beyond the January cutoff, provided they maintain their enrollment.
According to Irma Marquez, director of the Human Services Department’s Employment and Benefit Services Division, current Medi-Cal beneficiaries or those who enroll before the January deadline will continue to have full access to Medi-Cal services regardless of their immigration status. “If you already have Medi-Cal or if you enroll before January, you can stay enrolled in full scope Medi-Cal,” Marquez stated.
The county emphasized that youth aged 18 and younger, as well as pregnant individuals not currently enrolled, will continue to be eligible for the full range of Medi-Cal coverage after January 1, 2026. This support is crucial for maintaining health care access for vulnerable populations.
Understanding Unsatisfactory Immigration Status
The term Unsatisfactory Immigration Status refers to individuals whose current immigration status does not qualify for full benefits, either due to not meeting the accepted categories or because their status remains unverified. Currently, approximately 95% of Santa Cruz County’s nearly 260,000 residents have health insurance, a figure health experts believe is vital for controlling overall health care costs in the region.
As coverage rules evolve, additional changes are expected in 2026 for those with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status. These include a new requirement to renew coverage every six months and the introduction of a $30 monthly premium. Failure to pay this premium for three consecutive months may result in a loss of coverage. However, individuals can regain their full-scope Medi-Cal coverage, excluding dental benefits, if premiums are repaid within 90 days.
Connie Moreno-Peraza, director of the county Health Services Agency, emphasized the importance of community health, stating, “The health of our entire community is a priority for us.” The agency will continue to address basic health care needs for low-income and uninsured residents through county health centers and collaborate with community partners to keep residents informed about changes impacting their healthcare access.
For more information about local social safety net services, residents can visit santacruzcountyca.gov/Sanctuary.aspx. The Employment and Benefit Services Division can be contacted at 888-421-8080. Additionally, Medi-Cal dental provider information is available at smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist, or through customer service at 800-322-6384. More details on Medi-Cal changes can be found on the California Department of Health Care Services website at dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/changes.aspx.
