Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental will continue receiving comprehensive dental coverage for another year after state lawmakers approved a budget that delayed planned cuts until July 1, 2027. The delay also means adults who do not qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal based on their immigration status will continue receiving comprehensive dental benefits through June 30, 2027.
The one-year extension comes as advocates warned that reducing funding could limit access to dental care by making it more difficult for providers to continue serving Medi-Cal patients.
The California Dental Association said the move protects access to dental care for millions of Californians. According to the association, Medi-Cal Dental serves roughly half of California’s children and one-third of adults in the state. The organization also noted that Proposition 56 funding has helped increase new Medi-Cal dental visits by 37% and participating dental providers by 34%.
The association warned that reducing provider reimbursement rates could make it harder for patients to find dentists who accept Medi-Cal. In a survey conducted by the California Dental Association, nearly half of participating dentists said they would consider leaving the Medi-Cal program if the proposed reimbursement cuts took effect.
East Bakersfield resident Lizette Ramos said the decision has provided much-needed relief.
“I was worried that if my dental benefits were cut, I’d have to choose between paying out of pocket, which I really can’t afford, or just ignoring the problem,” said Ramos. “I also have kids, so I wasn’t just thinking about myself, but I was thinking about making sure they could still get their cleanings and fillings before little problems turned into big ones.”
For Ramos, maintaining her benefits means she can continue addressing dental issues before they become emergencies.
“Without Medi-Cal, I honestly don’t think I’d be going to the dentist at all,” she said. “Dental work is expensive, and when you’re already trying to pay rent, groceries, gas and everything else, it just isn’t realistic.”
She said the delay also changes how she plans for her dental care over the next year.
“I’m definitely going to stay on top of my appointments,” Ramos said. “Instead of putting things off, I want to get the work done while I know I still have coverage. I’ve learned that waiting usually just makes things worse and more expensive.”
Ramos also stated that she hopes lawmakers will work toward a permanent solution before the delayed cuts are scheduled to take effect.
If the delayed policy takes effect on July 1, 2027, comprehensive dental benefits will end for Medi-Cal members age 19 and older who do not qualify for federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal because of their immigration status. However, emergency dental services will continue to be covered through the Medi-Cal Dental Program.
The change will not affect Medi-Cal members younger than 19, people designated by their county as pregnant or up to one year postpartum, or current and former foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday. Those groups will continue receiving full dental benefits regardless of immigration status.
Emergency services that will remain covered include treatment for severe tooth pain, infections, uncontrolled bleeding, painful swelling, facial injuries, broken or knocked-out teeth, and other urgent dental conditions.
