California lawmakers are considering a bill that would restore full Medi-Cal coverage, including dental insurance, for undocumented adults ages 19 and older, starting January 1, 2027.
The Medi‑Cal Access Restoration Act, introduced by State Senator María Elena Durazo and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, both Democrats, aims to lift the current freeze and reinstate comprehensive benefits for undocumented adults.
The proposed legislation would allow individuals without satisfactory immigration status to access the full scope of Medi‑Cal benefits, with some limitations such as premium payments and specific dental coverage.
California previously expanded health coverage for undocumented adults but rolled back these benefits in 2025 to help address a projected $10 billion budget deficit. The state now anticipates a nearly $3 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year as lawmakers draft the next spending plan.
Supporters of the bill argue that the freeze shifts healthcare costs to counties, hospitals, and emergency rooms rather than eliminating them. “Undocumented Californians pick our crops, build our homes, and care for our families – and they pay billions in taxes to do it,” said Senator Durazo. “Denying them basic health coverage isn’t saving money, it’s borrowing trouble. SB 1422 is the fiscally responsible thing to do, and it’s the right thing to do.”
Officials note that undocumented Californians contribute about $8.5 billion annually in state and local taxes and represent roughly one-tenth of California’s workforce.
Research cited by lawmakers shows that access to preventive care reduces avoidable emergency room visits, which can cost more than ten times the price of routine care. The state already spends an estimated $3.5 billion annually on preventable emergency care.
The bill reflects a push to balance fiscal responsibility with public health, ensuring that preventive care, including dental services, is accessible to a vulnerable population that has long supported California’s economy.