Get Health Insurance

Sign up for health insurance today! Call (510) 770-8040 or (408) 729-9700 and one of our certified Covered California team members will help you apply for free or low-cost health insurance.

Have a question about eligibility?
Email MemberService@bach.health with your full name and phone number.
We will contact you as soon as possible.

Medi-Cal Changes Timeline

Patient Q&A: Medi-Cal Changes

Is it safe to apply for Medi-Cal if I’m an immigrant?

Yes. Applying will not increase your risk if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already has your address. Stopping benefits will not erase any past information.

Medi-Cal (except long-term care) and food benefits (SNAP) do not count against you in public charge decisions. If you’re worried, you can talk to a public benefits or immigration lawyer before applying.

Can immigrants still get Medi-Cal?

Starting January 1, 2026, adults (ages 19 and up) without legal immigration status will not be able to newly enroll in full Medi-Cal.


If you already have Medi-Cal, you can keep it as long as you renew on time and use your benefits. If you lose it because of paperwork issues, you’ll have 90 days to fix it and re-enroll.

Will I have to pay for Medi-Cal?

Starting July 1, 2027, adults without legal status will need to pay $30 per month to keep full Medi-Cal. If you don’t pay, your coverage will be reduced to emergency care and pregnancy-related services only.

Why should I enroll before 2026?

If you apply or re-enroll before January 1, 2026, you can get:

  • Free or low-cost care for medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescriptions, and more

  • Emergency and hospital care

  • Free rides to and from appointments

How do I know if I still qualify for Medi-Cal?

Most health centers have staff who can help you with applications, renewals, and keeping your benefits active. Be sure to renew on time and update your contact information so you don’t lose coverage.

What if I don’t qualify for Medi-Cal anymore?

If you lose Medi-Cal or can’t enroll, you may qualify for other options like HealthPAC or Medicare.


Even without Medi-Cal, many health centers offer services on a sliding fee scale based on your income.

Medi-Cal 2026 Eligibility Flow Chart

*Patients must be SIS (Satisfactory Immigration Status) to qualify for full Medi-Cal benefits. Patients are considered to have UIS (Unsatisfactory Immigration Status) if they do not claim or cannot verify one of the recognized immigration statuses that qualify for federally funded full coverage Medi-Cal.

Medi-Cal Eligibility 2026

Satisfactory Immigration Status (SIS)

  • Battered Immigrants (non-VAWA) exempt/met 5-year wait

  • Citizens of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau

  • Compact of Free Association (COFA)

  • Cuban/Haitian Entrants

  • Green Card Holders (exempt/met 5-year wait)

  • Paroled into U.S. More Than One Year

  • Refugees and Asylees

  • U Visa Holder (Crime Victim)

  • U.S. citizens or nationals

  • Violence Against Women Act (VAQA) Self-Practitioner

Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS)

  • Asylum Applicant with Work Authorization

  • Battered Immigrants (non-VAWA), not exempt/not met 5-year wait

  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients

  • Deferred Enforced Departure

  • Green Card Holders (not exempt/not met 5-year wait)

  • Paroled into U.S. for Less Than One Year

  • Pending Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

  • Temporary Protected Status Holders

  • U Visa Applicants

  • Undocumented adults (19+), not pregnant

  • Undocumented youth (<19) or pregnant individuals

  • Visitor/Student/Work Visa Holder

Healthcare Programs

Covered California

Low-cost health insurance for people without coverage.

Medi-Cal

Free or low-cost health care for children & adults with low income.

Cal-Fresh

Extra money each month to buy healthy food.


Other Assistance Programs

340B Prescription Program

  • 20%–50% off medicines

  • Available at local and national pharmacies

  • A doctor can send or write a prescription


CHDP Program

Free checkups for children & teens under 18:

  • Exams, dental, vision, and hearing

  • Shots & nutrition checks

  • Referrals for care if needed


Comprehensive Perinatal Service Program (CPSP)

Support for pregnant people with Medi-Cal:

  • Nutrition & health education

  • Emotional/mental health support

  • Home visits


Every Woman Counts (EWC)

Free breast & cervical cancer screenings.


Family PACT (Planning, Access, Care, Treatment)

Free family planning services:

  • Birth control

  • Reproductive health care


Health Homes Program (HHP)

For Medi-Cal patients with serious health needs:

  • Care management & support

  • Links to physical & mental health services

  • Long-term community services