Dear community member,
As part of our commitment to a safe and healthy school community, we want to make sure you and the families you support have clear, practical information to protect their health and access medical and dental coverage. We know many educators and school staff are helping answer questions and connect families to resources, and we are sharing a time-sensitive Medi-Cal update that may affect some members of our community.
Here are three key things to know:
Enroll by December 31, 2025 if someone needs to start full-scope Medi-Cal. Beginning January 1, 2026, California will freeze new enrollments in full-scope Medi-Cal for many undocumented adults ages 19 and older (with some exceptions, such as pregnancy).
Already enrolled? Coverage can continue. If someone is already enrolled in full-scope Medi-Cal before the deadline and their coverage is active, they can stay covered as long as they complete their annual renewal when contacted.
Free, local support is available. Local resources and trusted options for help are available. See the resource packet prepared by the Santa Cruz County Immigration Coalition and partners for further information and a FAQ.
If a family member is undocumented and not currently enrolled, encourage them to talk with a trusted community organization or the County first to understand their options and timing, and then decide what is best for them. It is important to understand all the facts and make the choice that feels safest for each family.
Families can contact the Santa Cruz County Human Services benefits hotline at 888-421-8080, or reach out to the trusted community organizations listed in the attached documents for free, in-person assistance. I’d also like to express our gratitude to the Human Services Department team and the many local partners who are providing these essential resources and support.
Please review and share this information and the linked resource packet with families, colleagues, and community members who may benefit from it — now, more than ever. Access to reliable health care helps students show up ready to learn and supports families’ stability throughout the school year.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools