Bill > SB1422

This bill, SB 1422, aims to expand Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program for low-income individuals) eligibility for individuals who do not have satisfactory immigration status, meaning they are not legally present in the United States or do not have permanent residency. Currently, these individuals, if 19 or older, are generally only eligible for pregnancy-related services and emergency medical care, with some exceptions for those under 26 or who were previously enrolled. This bill would instead make individuals 19 years of age and older, who lack satisfactory immigration status, eligible for the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, which covers a broader range of healthcare services. However, this expanded eligibility would be subject to certain limitations, including the potential payment of monthly premiums (starting no earlier than July 1, 2027, for those aged 19-59 who are not pregnant) and restrictions on certain dental benefits (excluding emergency dental care for those 19 and older starting no earlier than July 1, 2026). The bill also clarifies that certain groups, like nonminor dependents (individuals in foster care under 21) and those who would otherwise be eligible for Medi-Cal but for their immigration status, will continue to receive full-scope Medi-Cal benefits until their 26th birthday, regardless of these new provisions. The bill also includes provisions for the state to seek federal funding and outlines procedures for implementing these changes, acknowledging that it may create state-mandated costs for local agencies.

Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1422