The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently changed the definition of who qualifies for certain health programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, based on immigration status.
Previously immigrants of certain statuses (like green card holders, DACA recipients, survivors of domestic violence, survivors of trafficking, asylum seekers, and others) could access public insurance benefits. This is changing.
Review your insurance coverage now. Contact a health insurance benefits counselor with any questions before the end of the 2025 calendar year.
Medi-Cal: If you are undocumented, need health insurance, and may qualify for Medi-Cal – enroll in Medi-Cal by December 30, 2025. People with “unsatisfactory immigration status” (UIS) will no longer be eligible to enroll in Med-Cal starting in January, 2026. You can find out how to enroll at sfhsa.org/services/medi-cal, SFMedi-Cal@sfgov.or, or call 855-355-5757.
“UIS” includes: undocumented adults; asylum applicants with work authorization; DACA recipients; some green card holders; people who have applied for a visa; people who are on visitor, student, or temporary work visas; and others. Find the entire list of “UIS” on the California Department of Health Care Services website.
Medicare: There may be impacts to Medicare coverage for people of certain immigration statuses–including refugees, asylees, and people with temporary protected status–in the next year. Reach out to a benefits counselor with any questions about your coverage. (HICAP: 800-434-0222)
