Health and Wellness

Changes to Medi-Cal Dental Coverage begin July 1, 2026!

Some adults aged 19 and over without eligible immigration status will be impacted

Starting July 1, 2026, Medi-Cal dental coverage may change for some adults 19 and older without eligible immigration status. If you are unsure how this may affect you, local help is available.

Trusted community organizations offer free and confidential support to help you understand your options. Taking a few minutes now can help you plan with clarity and confidence.

For more information about changes at Medi-Cal Dental, click the button below to access a brochure with frequently asked questions and other information.

Legal Notice: This information does not constitute legal advice. The law is constantly changing, and every case is different. Do not rely on this information to make decisions that could legally affect you. If you need legal assistance, consult a qualified attorney.

Immigrant Community Rights in Health and Wellness

Our immigrant community has fundamental rights in the United States, including when it comes to accessing health and wellness services. It is important to know these rights and how to exercise them to ensure their well-being and that of their families.

1. Rights of Access to Medical Care

Emergency Care

Legal Law: Everyone has the right to receive emergency medical care at hospitals that receive federal funding, regardless of immigration status. This is protected under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
What to do: If you need urgent medical attention, go to hospitals such as:
- Watsonville Community Hospital (Watsonville)
- Natividad Medical Center (Salinas)
- Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital (Hollister)
- Dominican Hospital (Santa Cruz)

Regular Medical Care

Health centers:
- Community Health Centers serve all people, regardless of their health insurance or immigration status.
- Key resources:
  - Health for the People (Santa Cruz and Watsonville)It provides medical, dental, and mental health care. Visit: splg.org
  - Santa Cruz County Health Centers (Santa Cruz County): Comprehensive medical care, behavioral health, case management, and dental care. Visit: santacruzhealth.org/HealthCenters.aspx
  - Santa Cruz Community Health (Santa Cruz County): Comprehensive primary care, women's health, pediatrics, and behavioral health services. Visit: schealthcenters.org
  - Dientes (Santa Cruz County): Comprehensive and affordable dental care for people of all ages. Visit: dientes.org
  - Salinas Valley Health Clinic (Monterey)It offers prenatal care, pediatrics, and dental services. Visit: csvs.org
  - San Benito Health Foundation (San Benito)Medical services for farmworkers and their families. Visit: sanbenitohealth.org

Medi-Cal Programs

Right to Medi-CalIn California, children, pregnant women, and low-income adults have access to Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.
How to apply: Visit your county social services office:
- Santa Cruz County Health Services: Enlace
- Monterey County Social Services: Enlace
- San Benito County Health Services: Enlace

2. Privacy and Data Protection

Medical Confidentiality

Your medical information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Hospitals and clinics they can not share information about your immigration status with ICE without your consent.

Safe Places

Protected Places: Under the Sensitive Locations Policy, ICE limits enforcement activities to hospitals, schools, and places of worship except in exceptional circumstances.

What to do if ICE shows up at a hospital

Stay calm and do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer.
You have the right to remain silent.
Ask to speak to a legal representative.

3. Support and Benefits Programs

Nutritional Assistance

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program): Supports pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age, regardless of immigration status.
- Registration in your county:
  - Santa Cruz WIC: Enlace
  - Monterey WIC: Enlace
  - St. Benedict WIC: Enlace

CalFresh and Food Banks

Undocumented parents do not qualify for CalFresh, but their U.S.-born children may be eligible.
Local Food Banks:
- Second Harvest Food Bank (Santa Cruz): Provides free food for families in need. Enlace
- Monterey County Food Bank: Help with food and resources. Enlace
- Community Food Bank of San Benito: Direct support for San Benito residents. Enlace

Emergency Financial Aid

UndocuFund Monterey Bay: Provides financial support to undocumented families affected by crises. Visit website

Mental Health Services

There are multiple organizations in our community dedicated to providing mental health services. These centers offer a wide range of supports tailored to each person's individual needs, including individual therapy, group therapy, emotional wellness programs, and crisis intervention services. They focus on creating an inclusive and accessible environment, promoting psychological well-being through a holistic approach that respects our cultural and personal differences.

Changes to Medi-Cal Dental Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Only certain categories of immigrants will be affected by the changes to dental coverage. How can I find out if these changes apply to me?

Contact the Santa Cruz County Benefits Services Division at 888-421-8080 or visit santacruzhumanservices.org.

2. If these changes affect me, what will happen to Medi-Cal Dental on July 1, 2026?

Emergency dental care only (extractions and pain relief) will be covered by Medi-Cal for people 19 years of age or older without eligible immigration status (sometimes called unsatisfactory immigration status, or SIS.).
Routine dental care will no longer be covered by Medi-Cal for people 19 years of age or older without eligible immigration status.

3. Who is not affected by these changes?

Regardless of immigration status:
- Pregnant people continue to have full dental coverage.
- Children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 will continue to have full dental coverage.
Adults with eligible immigration status will continue to have full dental coverage.
4. What should I do for my routine dental care if I am affected by these changes?

Act now: Talk to your dentist and make a plan for your care.
If you are in the middle of treatment, schedule your appointments before July 1, 2026, and inform the staff that you will lose coverage so they can help you plan your care.
Make sure you attend your dental appointments.

5. What happens after July 1, 2026 if I still need dental care?

Community clinics such as Dientes Community Dental Care and Salud Para La Gente offer sliding-scale rates based on your income to help you get the dental care you need.