BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Health advocates from Kern County are urging families to enroll or renew Medi-Cal before the 2026 Medi-Cal expansion deadline as significant changes approach.

Starting in January 2026, the Medi-Cal program for people without satisfactory immigration status will change. To help residents prepare, a mobile outreach bus will travel to rural areas in Kern County throughout November, making stops in towns like Lake Isabella and Frazier Park.

"We picked this because we know that when they apply for Medi-Cal and sometimes your application takes just way too long, it is it's a challenge. It's really a hard call for them to travel to Bakersfield, to come to the DHS office to get an answer," said Nataly Santamaria with Vision y Compromiso.

The mobile unit will provide

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