Over 26,000 undocumented residents in Contra Costa County will lose their publicly funded dental insurance on July 1 due to federal and state policy changes. - The cuts result from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and California's budget deficit.
- Emergency dental care remains covered, but routine care and restorative treatments are not. - Dentists warn of increased emergency visits and more extractions, as seen after a similar 2009 cut.
- Uninsured patients can seek care on a sliding fee scale, but many may delay treatment until emergencies arise. The policy change is expected to worsen health outcomes and increase costs for the healthcare system.