Health insurance for Dreamers in California can still apply for enrollment

On this occasion, we want to talk about a key issue for the health and peace of mind of many families: Covered California, access to health insurance, and the deadline to enroll or choose coverage.

If you are a DACA recipient and are looking for health insurance coverage, you must apply for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026.

After this date, Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrants over the age of 19 will be frozen. Don’t wait, apply today.

As you know, Covered California is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Through this program, millions of people have been able to obtain affordable health insurance, with financial assistance that reduces monthly costs and expenses when medical care is needed.

In recent years, Covered California took a step that was considered historic. For a brief period, people with DACA, or dreamers, were able to enroll in health plans, something that had long been denied to them.

For thousands of young immigrants, many of them Latino, this meant having access to medical consultations, medicines, preventive care, and protection in an emergency for the first time.

Community organizations pointed out that this expansion recognized a reality: Dreamers work, pay taxes, and support their families, but had been left out of the health care system.

However, this progress was temporary.

In 2025, a change in federal rules once again excluded people with DACA from eligibility for insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

As a result, Covered California had to cancel those policies, clarifying that this decision was required by federal law.

Although this situation caused uncertainty and concern, Covered California continues to offer information and guidance so that those affected can explore other options, such as income-based Medi-Cal, employer-based health insurance, or private plans.

It is important to remember that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a new federal rule in June 2025 that revised the definition of individuals with “lawful presence” eligible for insurance market coverage. This change in federal policy means that DACA status no longer allows individuals to enroll in or maintain coverage through Covered California.

The good news is that DACA recipients remain eligible for Medi-Cal, California’s comprehensive health coverage program. However, time is of the essence: they must apply before January 1, 2026.

That’s why it’s important to remember that January 1, 2026, is the critical deadline, as state authorities plan to freeze Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrants over the age of 19. Apply for Medi-Cal before this date to get all the benefits.

For more information, visit coveredca.com or contact a community organization in your area.

Remember, health cannot wait.

That brings us to the end of this informational service. I am Citlali Sáenz. Take care, and we will hear from you tomorrow.