Overview

• The Legislature’s scaled-back budget plan freezes new Medi-Cal applications for undocumented adults starting January 2026.
• Under the approved measure, existing undocumented enrollees will begin paying a $30 monthly premium in July 2027 with a six-month reenrollment window for missed payments.
• California expanded free Medi-Cal to low-income undocumented immigrants in 2024, and enrollment now tops 1.6 million after costs exceeded projections by $2.7 billion.
• Critics, including immigrant advocacy groups and some Democrats, warn that new fees could force recipients to drop coverage and drive up emergency-room use.
• Lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by Sunday or forfeit their salaries as negotiations with Gov. Newsom continue.