East Bay Agency for Children (EBAC) is launching an urgent outreach campaign to ensure community members receive essential dental care before significant changes to Medi-Cal benefits take effect this summer.
As the state navigates a complex series of healthcare policy shifts, EBAC’s six Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are providing direct support to help families across Oakland, Fremont, Hayward and San Leandro maintain their coverage.
Schedule dental appointments now
The most immediate change concerns dental benefits. Starting July 1, 2026, individuals without satisfactory immigration status (SIS) will no longer have coverage for routine dental services. EBAC is urging affected residents to make dentist appointments immediately while they still have full coverage.
“We want our community to know that you still have time to get the care you need,” said Stephanie Drago, Family Resource Services regional program director. “Preventive dental care is vital to overall health. We are here to help you find a provider and navigate these transitions so you aren’t left in pain later this year.”
Dental coverage details
Who is not affected: These changes will not affect children, individuals who are pregnant or postpartum or former foster youth under age 26 (who were in foster care on their 18th birthday).
Emergency Care: After July 1, 2026, only emergency dental needs will be covered for those affected. This includes treatment for serious tooth pain, infections and tooth extractions.
Residents can visit dhcs.ca.gov for official updates.
In addition to the dental transition, EBAC is helping families prepare for several other significant policy milestones:
Medi-Cal 2026
Asset Reviews (effective January 1, 2026): For individuals 65+ or those with disabilities, Medi-Cal has reinstated property and resource considerations during eligibility reviews.
Enrollment Freeze (effective January 1, 2026): New enrollment for full-scope Medi-Cal has stopped for adults (19+) with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) who are not pregnant. However, those enrolled before January 1, 2026, can keep their full coverage by completing their annual renewals on time.
Eligibility Restrictions (effective October 1, 2026): Medi-Cal eligibility will be limited to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and certain Cuban or Haitian immigrants. Refugees, those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work visa holders will no longer qualify for standard coverage.
Medi-Cal 2027
January 1, 2027: New requirements include work/community engagement hours, a shift to six-month eligibility renewals (redeterminations), and reduced retroactive coverage.
July 1, 2027: Certain UIS individuals will be required to pay a $30 monthly premium to maintain full-scope coverage.
“One-stop” support
Beyond Medi-Cal and health services, EBAC family resource centers provide immigration support, food, housing assistance, employment resources, childcare and mental health services.
Resources in the East Bay Area include Fremont Healthy Start, Hayward Family Resource Center and San Leandro Family Resource Center. ebac.org/FRCs
