Recently, the topic of Medi-Cal dental benefits has resurfaced in the LA Korean community chat rooms. This is due to the news that the dental benefits, which were supposed to end in July this year, are still available.

To get straight to the point, this is indeed correct. However, it's not that the benefits have ended; they have been postponed for one year, so I thought it would be good to clarify this.

First, let's go over the background. In last year's 2025-26 state budget, California confirmed several changes for Medi-Cal enrollees who are undocumented adults.

First, starting January 1, 2026, new full-scope enrollments for undocumented adults will be halted. Those who are already enrolled will maintain their coverage as long as they renew on time.

Second, the general dental benefits for this group of adults will be eliminated on July 1, 2026, leaving only emergency dental services. The third point is the $30 monthly premium.

However, at the end of June this year, the governor and the legislature reached an agreement on the 2026-27 budget, changing the timeline. Governor Newsom signed the budget proposal on June 29.

According to the DHCS, which is the state Department of Health Care Services, the end date for general dental benefits for some adults has been postponed from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027.

In simpler terms, if you are currently using Medi-Cal dental services, it means you can continue to receive general treatments like scaling and cavity treatment until the end of June next year.

There's one more thing that has been postponed. The additional payments given to dentists under Proposition 56, which were originally set to end in July this year, have also been extended for 12 months until July 1, 2027.

Prop 56 is a tobacco tax initiative passed in 2016, and this funding has supported Medi-Cal dental reimbursement rates. If this funding is removed, the reimbursement rates would revert to levels from the 1990s, according to the dental association.

A survey by the California Dental Association (CDA) found that 49% of dentists who accept Medi-Cal said they would leave the program if cuts were implemented. Honestly, I was a bit surprised by this number.

From the enrollees' perspective, the more frightening scenario is not the benefits themselves disappearing, but the dentists who accept them vanishing. Therefore, this postponement is significant for everyone using Medi-Cal dental services, not just immigrants.

Now, let's move on to the $30 monthly premium mentioned in the title. This is the most confusing part.

As of now, the confirmed information is that the start date for the premium has not been postponed. It will be charged as originally planned starting July 1, 2027.

The target group is adults aged 19 to 59 who are undocumented or have temporary status and receive full-scope Medi-Cal. Pregnant individuals are exempt.

The amount is $30 per month for each eligible individual. If both spouses are eligible, it could amount to $60 a month, which could be a significant burden.

In the revised budget proposal from May this year, there was also a suggestion to raise this to $50. However, the final budget has been settled to start at $30, according to the latest updates.

However, there are analyses suggesting that there may be room to adjust the amount in subsequent fiscal years, so it's not certain that $30 will remain fixed forever. Be sure to check back when the official notice is released.

The most important thing to watch out for is non-payment. According to reports, if premiums are not paid for three consecutive months, coverage will be terminated, and due to the freeze on new enrollments, it will be practically impossible to re-enroll.

Having worked in investments, I tend to view these matters from a risk management perspective. If missing out means you can't recover, it's best to set up automatic payments.

So what should you do right now? Let's outline the steps.

First, if you have postponed dental treatments, schedule an appointment before the end of June 2027. For procedures like crowns or root canals that require multiple visits, it's safer to start earlier.

Second, make sure to submit your renewal paperwork on time. Don't just ignore the county letters that come in the mail, and if you find English overwhelming, ask family or community organizations for help.

Third, when the insurance premium notice arrives next summer, check the amount and payment method immediately. It's also good to count how many family members are eligible in advance.

Fourth, if you're unsure about the order of treatments due to your health condition or medications, consult with your doctor or pharmacist first. There may be medications that need to be checked before dental treatment.

Personally, I find it disappointing that this one-year postponement keeps repeating. It makes it difficult for both dentists and patients to plan.

While I understand that budgets are tight, it doesn't seem fair to make the basic healthcare of immigrant families, who are already paying taxes and working, a subject of annual negotiation.

In summary, dental benefits will be maintained until July 1, 2027, and the $30 monthly premium will also start on that date. I hope you can use the remaining eight months as a preparation period.