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Medi-Cal Helps You Stay Healthy: Use Your Medi-Cal Benefits

January 20, 2026

California's Medi-Cal program currently provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage to over 14 million residents, yet many eligible members underutilize available preventive services like dental checkups, vision exams, and chronic disease screenings. This underutilization is particularly concerning for Black Californians, who face higher rates of chronic conditions but lower rates of accessing preventive care, with only 40% of adult members using dental services and under 30% accessing vision benefits annually. Through the CalAIM initiative, the state is working to better coordinate medical, mental health, and social services while ensuring most members retain their comprehensive benefits through 2025-2026.

Who is affected

  • More than 14 million Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal (over one-third of the state's population)
  • Black families, seniors, parents, and caregivers in California
  • Black Californians with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or vision loss
  • Undocumented adults and certain adult immigrants (who will face coverage restrictions starting in 2026)
  • Adults on Medi-Cal who meet income requirements
  • Youth under age 19 and pregnant people (who will retain full-scope coverage)

What action is being taken

  • The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is overseeing Medi-Cal and confirming benefit continuation for most members in 2025-26
  • CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) is improving coordination between medical, mental health, and social services
  • Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is providing personal care managers to coordinate appointments, medications, and follow-up care
  • Community Supports is offering services such as asthma home visits, medically tailored meals, and homelessness transition assistance

Why it matters

  • Preventive care is critical for protecting long-term health, independence, and family stability, particularly for Black Californians who experience disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions but lower rates of accessing covered services. Early intervention through Medi-Cal benefits can help people manage health conditions before they escalate into emergencies, avoiding more complicated and costly treatments. The program serves as one of California's most dependable health safety nets, and the upcoming 2026 policy changes will significantly impact healthcare access for vulnerable immigrant populations. By utilizing available preventive services, members can address health issues proactively rather than waiting until pain, infection, or vision loss occurs.

What's next

  • Starting January 2026, undocumented adults and certain adult immigrants will no longer be able to newly apply for full-scope Medi-Cal based on immigration status
  • Beginning July 2026, undocumented adults and some adults with certain immigration statuses will lose their dental benefits
  • People affected by these changes can continue to use their benefits until July 2026
  • Current members should schedule checkups, dental cleanings, or eye exams by calling their health plan
  • Members can contact their Medi-Cal health plan or call the Medi-Cal Member Help Line at 1-800-541-5555 for assistance
  • Those without Medi-Cal can apply at BenefitsCal.com or contact the San Diego County Medi-Cal office at (866) 262-9881

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint