California Officials, Health Leaders and Advocates Urge Undocumented Residents to Enroll in Medi-Cal Before Dec. 31 Deadline
As the December 31, 2025, deadline for new enrollment in full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented individuals and those without qualified immigration status approaches, California leaders held a virtual press conference to raise awareness, share resources, and outline upcoming changes to the state’s health coverage system.
The hour-long event, hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, brought together a cross-section of policy and healthcare leaders working on the frontlines of public benefits access. DPSS Director Dr. Jackie Contreras, on County Response & Enrollment Information, laid out critical details about the enrollment process and reassured residents that multilingual and in-person assistance is widely available. Martha Santana-Chin, Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan, spoke to the importance of full-scope Medi-Cal in ensuring access to primary care, chronic disease treatment, and behavioral health services. From the provider perspective, Dr. Atul Nakhasi, Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Relations at MLK Community Healthcare, described how the freeze would impact safety-net hospitals and clinics already operating at capacity. Shiu-Ming Cheer, Esq., Deputy Director of Immigrant & Racial Justice at the California Immigrant Policy Center, underscored the importance of culturally informed outreach and offered trusted resources for immigrant families navigating these changes.
The press event, officially titled “Supervisors Mitchell and Stakeholders Raise Awareness and Share Resources Ahead of the December 31 New Medi-Cal Enrollee Deadline Impacting Immigrant Communities,” made clear that the looming deadline is not just a matter of state policy, but one that intersects with broader federal shifts. Panelists linked many of the upcoming Medi-Cal changes to federal Medicaid policy directives established during the Trump administration, which are now shaping how California can manage access, renewals, and eligibility.
What the Deadline Means
Currently, low-income undocumented adults who meet income and residency criteria are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. This includes comprehensive services such as:
- Doctor visits and hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and behavioral care
- Preventive and chronic condition services
However, beginning January 1, 2026, California will freeze new applications for full-scope Medi-Cal from undocumented individuals aged 19 and older and those without qualified immigration status. Those who enroll before the end of 2025 can keep their coverage, provided they meet renewal and income requirements.
Children under 19 and pregnant individuals will still be eligible for full-scope coverage regardless of immigration status.
How to Enroll
- Apply online now: www.BenefitsCal.com
- Need in-person help? Find your county DPSS office: County Offices
- Have questions? Call the DPSS Medi-Cal hotline at 866-613-3777
Dr. Contreras emphasized that free assistance is available through DPSS offices and community partners, especially for individuals who speak languages other than English or who face documentation barriers.
Why This Deadline Matters
Martha Santana-Chin warned that undocumented adults who fail to enroll by the deadline will be left with only restricted or emergency Medi-Cal services. That means no regular checkups, no chronic disease treatment, and limited mental health care access.
Dr. Atul Nakhasi noted that MLK Community Healthcare and other safety-net providers depend on Medi-Cal reimbursements to serve low-income patients. Losing access to full-scope enrollment could reduce funding and increase strain on already overstretched facilities.
What Happens After the Freeze
- No new full-scope enrollments for undocumented adults will be accepted.
- Restricted scope or emergency Medi-Cal will still be available.
- Full-scope Medi-Cal for children and pregnant individuals will continue unchanged.
- Those who let coverage lapse may not be able to re-enroll under the freeze.
More Changes Coming in 2027
Panelists also warned that 2026 isn’t the end of the road. Starting in 2027:
- New work requirements may be introduced for some Medi-Cal recipients.
- The annual renewal process will shift to reapplying every six months.
DPSS has a detailed Fact Sheet on Medi-Cal and CalFresh Changes, available through its “Keep Your Benefits” campaign.
Community Resources
Shiu-Ming Cheer encouraged residents to seek help from trusted organizations. Two resources she shared include:
DPSS has also created recorded informational webinars to explain these changes in multiple languages.
Final Message
Supervisor Mitchell closed with a clear message: “This deadline is real, and so are the consequences. Enroll now, while you still can.”
To Apply: BenefitsCal.com
County Support Offices: Find Your DPSS Office
Questions? Call 866-613-3777
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