Overview
Undocumented Californians and their families are deeply engrained in the state’s social fabric — they are members of the state’s workforce, pay taxes, attend schools, own businesses, and raise families who invest in local communities. Yet, racist and xenophobic federal policies have historically excluded them from accessing comprehensive coverage through Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), also known as full-scope Medi-Cal. In recent years, California has expanded eligibility for full-scope Medi-Cal to undocumented immigrants, including children and young adults up to age 25 as well as adults age 50 and older.
This year, state leaders have the opportunity and resources to expand access to income-eligible undocumented adults ages 26 to 49 — ending the unjust exclusion once and for all. By advancing this policy change along with investing in other equitable health policies that focus on the well-being of communities of color, policymakers can ensure all Californians are valued and have the opportunity to be healthy and thrive.
Here’s a timeline of policy changes that have expanded access to comprehensive Medi-Cal coverage:
- 2014: Restricted-Scope Medi-Cal Expansion
- 2015: Medi-Cal Expanded to Children and Youth
- 2019: Medi-Cal Expanded to Young Adults
- 2021: Medi-Cal Expanded to Older Adults
- 2022: Addressing the Remaining Gap of Ineligible Adults
