Good news: The final California budget extends full dental benefits for adult Medi-Cal members!
This means that you can keep getting no-cost or low-cost services, including:
- Dental exams (every 12 months).
- X-rays.
- Teeth cleaning (every 12 months).
- Scaling and root planning.
- Fluoride varnish (every 12 months).
- Fillings.
- Crowns.
- Root canals.
- Partial and full dentures.
- Denture relines.
- Tooth removal.
- Emergency services.
- Sedation (if medically necessary).
Medi-Cal Dental covers services for children and adults. Visit the Smile, California website to learn more.
What changes are happening in 2027?
As of July 1, 2027, dental benefits will change for adult members with an unsatisfactory immigration status. Any non-emergency dental services provided on and after July 1, 2027 will not be covered by Medi-Cal Dental.
Most members will still get full dental benefits. This includes:
- People who qualify for federal full-scope Medi-Cal (those who have satisfactory immigration status and meet other requirements).
- Children under age 19.
- People who are pregnant or had a baby within the last 12 months.
- Foster youth under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
If I am affected by the 2027 changes, what should I do?
If you are affected by the 2027 changes, schedule your dental appointments before July 1, 2027 so that you can get covered services.
If you need emergency dental services after July 1, 2027, you will be able to see a dentist who takes Medi-Cal and your care will be covered.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
If you are a Medi-Cal member, your dental benefits are managed by Medi-Cal Dental, not the Alliance. Please connect directly with Medi-Cal Dental:
- Visit the Medi-Cal Dental website.
- Call 800-322-6384 (TTY: 800-735-2929), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More resources
- 2027 Medi-Cal Dental Benefit Changes (Smile, California)
- Follow the Smile, California Facebook page.
If you want to learn more about all the upcoming changes to Medi-Cal, go to the DHCS website.
