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