Immigrant Adults to Lose Full Medi-Cal Dental Coverage

The California Department of Health Care Services announced that starting July 1, 2026, some immigrant adults will lose access to free comprehensive dental care under the Medi-Cal Dental Program.

According to the department, adults over the age of 19 who are not pregnant and have specific immigration statuses will only qualify for emergency dental services, such as treatment for pain, infection, or urgent care needs.

State officials said the change is part of broader federal health care reforms aimed at aligning California’s benefit coverage with national Medicaid regulations.

Who will be affected?
Dana Durham, chief of the Medi-Cal Dental Program at the California Department of Health Care Services, said the following groups will only have access to emergency dental services after July 2026:

• Undocumented individuals

• Green card holders with less than five years of residency

• Individuals under temporary or humanitarian protection

• People covered under specific state or humanitarian relief programs

“These groups previously had full dental coverage,” Durham said. “After mid-2026, they will be eligible only for emergency treatments when they experience severe pain, infection, or other urgent needs.”

Durham emphasized that the policy does not affect children under 19 or pregnant individuals up to one year postpartum, who will continue to receive full Medi-Cal dental coverage, including exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, and orthodontic care for eligible children.

“We remain committed to protecting the oral health of children and mothers,” she said. “They are the foundation of family health and must continue to receive full care.”

Encouraging use before the changes

Durham urged all Medi-Cal members who may lose coverage to take advantage of full dental benefits before the changes take effect.

“We don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity to receive necessary care,” she said. “We encourage all eligible members to schedule exams and preventive treatments before July 2026.”

She added that a lack of public awareness remains one of the main reasons many immigrants don’t use Medi-Cal’s free dental services, which include fillings, cleanings, root canals, and dentures at no cost.

The Medi-Cal Dental Program is part of the state’s broader CalAIM initiative, which promotes a whole-person approach to health by integrating physical, mental, and social well-being.

“CalAIM is not just about treatment — it’s about prevention,” Durham said. “Taking care of your teeth also improves heart health, diabetes management, and even mental health.”

She added that preventive services — including fluoride varnish for children, sealants to prevent cavities, and silver diamine fluoride to stop decay without drilling — will remain free and available to all eligible members.

Role of community health workers

The department said community health workers will play a vital role in educating immigrant and refugee communities about the upcoming changes.

These workers, often members of the same communities they serve, help residents book dental appointments, overcome language barriers, and understand their rights under Medi-Cal.

“We know many newcomers avoid seeing a dentist due to fear or lack of information,” Durham said. “Community health workers are a bridge between people and care.”

No costs for patients

Officials reiterated that Medi-Cal members should never be charged for dental services.

“If treatment is medically necessary, Medi-Cal covers 100% of the cost,” Durham said. “Dentists are not allowed to charge patients any additional fees.”

Members who are asked to pay for services can contact the Medi-Cal Member Services Center or visit SmileCalifornia.org for assistance.

The Medi-Cal Dental Program, which serves nearly 15 million Californians, aims to ensure equal access to essential oral health care regardless of immigration status or income.