California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will eliminate routine dental coverage for approximately 2 million undocumented adult Medi-Cal enrollees effective July 1, 2026, limiting benefits to emergency dental care only, according to an article published on The Intersection.
The state estimates the change will save $308 million in the 2026-27 budget year. The California Dental Association called the policy change potentially devastating for affected patients and warned it could reduce Medi-Cal provider participation statewide. Health advocates cautioned the cuts may shift costs to emergency rooms.
DHCS began mailing notices to affected members in April 2026. Dentists treating Medi-Cal patients should anticipate significant disruption to patient panels as the July 1 deadline approaches.
