With sweeping changes to Medi-Cal set to take effect in the new year, Los Angeles County officials, healthcare leaders, and immigrant advocates are urging undocumented residents—13% of whom are Black— to act before a critical December 31 enrollment deadline that could determine whether they retain access to comprehensive health coverage.
At a press conference convened by L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, leaders emphasized that starting January 1, 2026, undocumented adults ages 19 and older will no longer be able to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. Those who apply on or before December 31 will remain eligible for full benefits as long as they continue to meet income requirements.
“Health care is a fundamental human right,” Mitchell said, noting that Los Angeles County is home to more than three million Medi-Cal beneficiaries, including an estimated 182,000 undocumented enrollees in her Second Supervisorial District alone. “Families deserve clear, accurate information so their decisions are not driven by fear.”
County officials warned that federal policy changes and funding cuts—coupled with heightened immigration enforcement—have created confusion and anxiety in immigrant communities. While the choice to enroll is deeply personal, speakers stressed the importance of informed decision-making.
According to L.A. County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), undocumented adults who apply after December 31 will be limited to emergency and pregnancy-related services only. Full-scope Medi-Cal covers routine doctor visits, hospitalization, mental health care, dental and vision services, prescriptions, and substance-use treatment.
“Anyone who applies by December 31 can continue receiving full coverage into the new year,” said Dr. Jackie Contreras of DPSS. “But applications submitted after that date will not qualify for full-scope benefits.”
Residents can apply online at BenefitsCal.com, by phone at 866-613-3777, or in person at DPSS offices throughout the county.
As the county’s largest public health plan, L.A. Care Health Plan serves more than 2.3 million Medi-Cal members. CEO Martha Santana-Chin warned that losing preventive coverage often leads to more severe—and costly—medical crises.
“Without coverage, manageable conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can quickly become life-threatening,” she said, announcing that L.A. Care will host information sessions at its Community Resource Centers to help residents understand the changes.
Advocates from the California Immigrant Policy Center cautioned that the enrollment freeze comes alongside proposed premiums and benefit reductions that could further strain immigrant families already facing economic pressure and fear of enforcement actions.
Physicians from Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital shared patient stories underscoring the stakes. Dr. Atul Nakhasi described cases where delayed access to care led to preventable blindness and late-stage cancer diagnoses—outcomes that comprehensive coverage could have helped avert.
“Emergency rooms will always be open,” Nakhasi said. “But preventive care saves lives, reduces suffering, and supports families long before a crisis.”
County leaders repeatedly emphasized one core takeaway: December 31 is the last day undocumented adults can apply for full-scope Medi-Cal. Applications submitted by then will be processed, preserving access to comprehensive care in 2026.
“We cannot stop these federal policies,” Mitchell said. “But we can show up for our communities with transparency, compassion, and accurate information—so no one loses care simply because they didn’t know their options.”