Some Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) members with certain immigration statuses will no longer be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal starting July 1, 2026. This will impact their dental benefit, as California’s Medi-Cal program will stop covering dental services for these members except during emergencies. New HPSM members will likely be impacted each month, as any member with certain immigration statuses turning 19 will lose their full-scope dental coverage.
This is a network-wide change that will impact many members – including your patients, possibly. Here is information you may need in case a member has questions:
Eligibility or immigration status
Refer them to San Mateo County Human Services Agency at 650-802-6470
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Medi-Cal healthcare benefits
Have them call HPSM Member Services at 1-800-750-4776
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Rights
Have them email [email protected] or call 1-888-452-8609.
Affected members can use their HPSM Dental benefit for non-emergency services until June 30, 2026. Starting July 1, 2026, members can find a Medi-Cal Dental provider near them by visiting: https://dental.dhcs.ca.gov/find-a-dentist/home
Some members who fall into this category will not be impacted. Exceptions to this rule include:
- People younger than 19 years of age will not be affected by this change.
- People 19 years and older with certain immigration statuses will continue to be eligible for non-emergency dental services through Medi-Cal Dental (fee-for-service) if they are:
- Pregnant, and up to one year after pregnancy.
- Between 19-26 and were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
For the full list of exceptions, or if a member wants to find out if this change applies them, have them visit: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Medi-Cal/Pages/immigration-status-categories.aspx.