In San Mateo County, Medi-Cal members have dental insurance through Health Plan of San Mateo Dental managed care or Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service (FFS).

January 1, 2027, changes for certain Health Plan of San Mateo Dental (HPSM Dental) members

Starting January 1, 2027, HPSM Dental members of all ages with “unsatisfactory immigration status” (UIS) will move to Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service. See this HPSM Dental webpage and your member letters for more details.  

Fee-for-Service does not mean you pay. Medi-Cal still pays for your care. You still have full dental coverage on January 1, 2027, but from a Medi-Cal Dental FFS provider.

To check how your immigration status affects your Medi-Cal health and dental coverage, review the Immigration Status and Changes to Medi-Cal Eligibility chart from the California Department of Health Care Services. Check the category you fall into in the chart. 

If the chart says you move to Fee-for-Service on January 1, 2027:

• Check with your current dental provider to see if they are a Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service provider.
• If not,by January 1, 2027, you will need to find a dentist in the Medi-Cal Dental FFS provider network. 
• Start now, don’t wait. If you need help finding a provider, call HPSM Dental at 650-616-1522 or email dental@hpsm.org. You can also find a Medi-Cal Dental FFS provider from dental.dhcs.ca.gov.
• Beginning January 1, 2027, you will need to use your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) only at every appointment—not your HPSM card. If you can’t find your BIC, contact San Mateo County Human Services Agency: 
• Call San Mateo County Human Services Agency at 1-800-223-8383
• Visit HSA office in person
• Visit BenefitsCal.com
• Schedule any dental care you need before December 31, 2026. Call HPSM Dental at 650-616-1522 or email dental@hpsm.org if you need assistance.
• Renew Medi-Cal on time to keep full-scope coverage.

July 1, 2027, changes for certain Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service members

Starting July 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members—depending on immigration status—will stop receiving full-scope dental coverage from Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service and will receive emergency dental coverage only. Some will need to pay a monthly premium for Medi-Cal services. 

Review this Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service webpage and the Immigration Status and Changes to Medi-Cal Eligibility chart from the California Department of Health Care Services. Check the category you fall into in the chart and look at the instructions for July 1, 2027.

Regardless of immigration status, you will continue to get full dental benefits from Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service on and after July 1, 2027, if you are:

• A child (ages 0-18)
• Pregnant (during pregnancy and up to one year after)
• Under age 26 and were in foster care on your 18th birthday

Schedule a dental appointment before July 1, 2027. Find a Medi-Cal Dental FFS provider from dental.dhcs.ca.gov.

Take action to keep your Medi-Cal benefits!

• Watch your mail. Medi-Cal will send letters about this change. Open mail from San Mateo County Human Services Agency, California Department of Health Care Services, and Health Plan of San Mateo. Read it carefully and respond as soon as you can. Fill out the form and include any documents (pay stubs, etc.) and return them by the due date. If you miss the due date, make sure you still send the information. The information may still be accepted within 90 days.
• Keep contact information up to date. Make sure your BenefitsCal account has your correct address, phone number, and email. Don’t have an account? Sign up right away. Or call San Mateo County Human Services Agency (HSA):
• 1-800-223-8383
• TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or 7-1-1
• Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• If your immigration status changes, report the change to the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Call 1-800-541-5555.

Schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible!

Given all the changes to Medi-Cal coverage, it is important to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

• HPSM Dental members:
• Call HPSM Dental at 650-616-1522 or email dental@hpsm.org for assistance
• Find an HPSM Dental provider using the HPSM Dental directory here
• Medi-Cal Dental Fee-for-Service members (including current Kaiser members):
• Call the Medi-Cal Dental Telephone Service Center at 1-800-322-6384
• Find a Medi-Cal Dental FFS provider from the directory here