Santa Cruz County health officials are informing residents from the immigrant community about significant changes to Medi-Cal enrollment coming in 2026. Starting on January 1, 2026, the state will discontinue full state-funded Medi-Cal coverage for individuals with an Unsatisfactory Immigration Status. However, the enrollment period will remain open throughout the remainder of the year, allowing those affected to maintain access to medical, behavioral health, and dental services.
Irma Marquez, director of the Human Services Department’s Employment and Benefit Services Division, emphasized the importance of timely enrollment. “If you already have Medi-Cal or if you enroll before January, you can stay enrolled in full scope Medi-Cal regardless of your immigration status,” she stated. This allows individuals who complete their enrollment before the deadline to retain coverage, including essential services such as doctor visits and prescriptions.
Changes to the eligibility criteria specifically impact individuals applying for coverage for the first time after the deadline. Those who are 18 years old or younger and pregnant individuals will still qualify for comprehensive Medi-Cal coverage beyond January 1, 2026, even if they have not previously enrolled.
The California Department of Health Care Services defines Unsatisfactory Immigration Status as a situation where an individual’s current immigration status does not meet the necessary requirements for full benefits. This could be due to an unverified status or not falling into one of the accepted categories. Currently, approximately 95% of Santa Cruz County’s nearly 260,000 residents have some form of health insurance.
County officials have highlighted the importance of high insurance rates. Increased coverage reduces the burden of uncompensated care on local healthcare providers, particularly hospitals. When uncompensated care rises, healthcare institutions often need to increase revenue through other means, potentially impacting the costs for those who are privately insured.
As part of the upcoming changes, enrollees with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status will face new requirements in 2026. These include a mandate to renew public insurance every six months and a new $30 monthly premium. Failure to pay this premium for three consecutive months could result in a loss of coverage. However, if premiums are repaid within 90 days, individuals may regain full-scope coverage, excluding dental care.
Connie Moreno-Peraza, director of the county Health Services Agency, expressed a commitment to community health: “The health of our entire community is a priority for us. We will continue to meet the basic health care needs of our low-income and uninsured residents through our County Health Centers.” She noted that the county will collaborate with community partners to keep residents informed about changes affecting their healthcare access.
Residents seeking more information about local social safety net services can visit the Santa Cruz County website at santacruzcountyca.gov/Sanctuary.aspx. For inquiries related to employment and benefit services, they can call 888-421-8080. Those looking for Medi-Cal dental providers can find assistance at smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or by calling customer service at 800-322-6384. Additional details on Medi-Cal can also be found on the California Department of Health Care Services website at dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/changes.aspx.
