The California state government’s decision to halt new Medi-Cal enrollments for undocumented immigrants starting January 1, 2025, is heightening anxiety within immigrant communities reliant on medical benefits. Local clinics and healthcare advocates are reassuring residents that personal information related to immigration status is not shared with immigration authorities during Medi-Cal applications, urging undocumented immigrants in need of healthcare to apply before the year-end deadline without fear.

This development follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement in May to address a $12 billion state budget deficit by freezing certain healthcare programs, including new Medi-Cal enrollments for undocumented immigrants. Newsom cited the need to curb spending and adjust programs due to a surge in healthcare beneficiaries, which has strained the state’s finances.

Since last year, California has provided free healthcare benefits to all low-income adults regardless of immigration status as part of Newsom’s universal healthcare expansion plan. However, the cost of this initiative exceeded projections by $2.7 billion. As of the current fiscal year, over 1.6 million undocumented immigrants are enrolled in California’s healthcare programs.

Under Newsom’s new plan, starting January 1, 2025, low-income adults without legal immigration status will lose eligibility to apply for Medi-Cal. However, current beneficiaries will retain their coverage, and children and teens 18 and under will remain eligible for new enrollments. Additionally, starting in 2027, existing undocumented enrollees aged 19–59 will be required to pay a $100 monthly premium.

Coupled with intensified immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, Newsom’s policy shift is leaving undocumented immigrants in a healthcare blind spot. Mark Lee, public relations director at Mission City Community Network (MCCN), which provides medical services to low-income and uninsured residents in LA’s Koreatown through Medi-Cal, noted, “While enrollment surged among other racial groups after regulations eased last year, Korean enrollment remained low.” He urged, “Those without legal status who desperately need medical benefits should apply before the deadline.

”Lee added, “We’ve been getting frequent calls from people asking if it’s safe to seek treatment due to their unstable immigration status or whether their information is protected. Receiving hospital care or applying for Medi-Cal does not get reported to immigration authorities, and application data is not shared with the federal government.”

To apply for Medi-Cal, applicants need one form of photo ID (passport, consulate-issued ID, driver’s license, etc.), a completed application form, and a signed affidavit confirming lack of legal status and income. In Koreatown, organizations like the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, Neighborcare Clinic, and MCCN are assisting with Medi-Cal enrollment. Lee emphasized, “Policies can change at any time. I hope those who truly need medical benefits will apply and get help before it’s too late.”