Health and Wellness

Medi-Cal dental coverage continues for all adults

Regardless of their immigration status, adults will continue to have access to dental coverage until June 30, 2027.

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

For more information about changes to Medi-Cal dental coverage, click the button below to view 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:
  - Salud Para la Gente (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

Is it possible to receive Medi-Cal dental services regardless of my immigration status?

NEW – One-year delay: Regardless of immigration status, all children, adults, and seniors will continue to have routine Medi-Cal dental coverage until June 30, 2027.

NEW: Starting July 1, 2027, certain adults age 19 and older without eligible immigration status (sometimes called unsatisfactory immigration status or UIS) may no longer receive routine dental care through Medi-Cal. If this affects you, only emergency dental care (extractions and pain relief) will be covered.

How can I find out if I qualify for Medi-Cal?

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

What does Medi-Cal dental coverage include?

Routine dental care, including examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns and dentures.

Why should I receive routine dental care?

Dental care is essential for overall health.

Regular checkups help detect problems early, before they become emergencies.

Where can I get low-cost dental care if I don't qualify for Medi-Cal?

Community clinics like Dientes Community Dental Care and Salud Para La Gente offer income-based rates to help you get the dental care you need.