California's full-coverage dental benefits for undocumented Medi-Cal beneficiaries, which were scheduled to end July 1, have been extended for a full year.

This extension follows the agreement reached between the California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom on the state budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Newsom signed the budget on June 29.

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) had previously announced that, due to budget cuts and other factors, adult Medi-Cal beneficiaries age 19 and older who did not meet the federal Satisfactory Immigration Status (SIS) requirement would lose full coverage benefits beginning July 1. From that date on, your coverage would be limited to emergency services only.

Eligibility Requirements

However, under the updated budget, undocumented immigrants will be able to continue receiving the same level of dental care until July 1, 2027. Legal permanent residents subject to the five-year waiting period after obtaining their green card can also access full coverage dental benefits. Eligibility is limited to adults who were enrolled in Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026.

Medi-Cal's full coverage dental benefits include oral exams, x-rays, teeth cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, crowns, gum treatments, periodontal maintenance, full or partial dentures, orthodontic treatment for eligible children, and emergency dental care.

As of November 2022, more than 15 million California residents were enrolled in the Medi-Cal dental program.

Renewal process

To maintain current benefits, Medi-Cal members must complete the renewal process by the deadline, which varies by individual. Recipients should carefully review renewal notices sent by their county social services office and submit the requested documents within the required time frame.

Even if coverage is suspended for failure to submit renewal documents on time or for missing required documentation, full benefits can generally be restored if the required paperwork is completed within 90 days. After that period, reactivation may be difficult, and some adults affected by eligibility restrictions related to immigration status may qualify only for emergency or limited Medi-Cal benefits.

Preventive care is covered

James Ahn, director of Kheir Clinic's Patient Resources Department, said affected Medi-Cal members should take advantage of the extension period to receive the preventive and restorative dental care they need. Kheir Clinic is a non-profit healthcare organization located in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

“It is important that eligible Medi-Cal members receive preventive dental care and necessary treatments early while full coverage benefits remain available,” Ahn told American Community Media.

Kheir Clinic operates two dental clinics serving Medi-Cal patients in the Koreatown area, offering preventative, diagnostic and treatment services, such as regular checkups, cleanings and fillings. The clinic also provides assistance to immigrant patients in five languages: English, Korean, Spanish, Bengali and Thai.

Check for eligibility errors

Some Medi-Cal enrollees have recently experienced eligibility review errors during the renewal process. This causes benefits to incorrectly change from full coverage to limited benefits, Ahn said. Recipients are asked to keep their Medi-Cal contact information – including address, phone number and email – up to date so as not to miss important notices.

People seeking assistance are encouraged to bring any notices from their county Department of Public Social Services, Medi-Cal application or renewal documents, and proof of income.

You can find more information about Medi-Cal dental benefits by visiting the California DHCS Medi-Cal Dental website at https://dental.dhcs.ca.gov/.

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