Medi-Cal State Health Program
Eligibility for Pregnant Women
Getting Started With Medi-Cal Enrollment
Applying for Medi-Cal
There are various options available to apply for Medi-Cal. A common first step is to assess if you meet the eligibility criteria for coverage. This typically involves reviewing your household income and other applicable programs in California. If you satisfy the income requirements or meet the eligibility criteria based on your health or age, you can apply for coverage. Contact the Medi-Cal office in your county to check on the status of your application or ask questions. It’s also important to keep the county updated on information about your family, especially for changes such as: change of address, marriage, divorce, birth or gaining health coverage through another source.
- By mail
- In-person
- Online
What Do I Need to Apply?
To complete your application, please provide personal information about yourself and your family. The requested details will include:
Social security numbers
To complete the application, it is necessary to provide the Social Security number for each family member or individual included in the application. If you are an immigrant without a Social Security number, please provide your immigration documents information instead doe all family members.
Employment details
Please include employment and income information for your application. If there are multiple individuals in your household who are employed, please provide details for each person as their income may impact your overall eligibility. If you are self-employed, please provide your predicted adjusted gross net income.
Federal tax information
You will need to provide your federal tax information, including your filing status and the number of dependents claimed on your return.
Other health insurance
When completing your application, kindly provide details of your health insurance plan from your employer or any other policy you may have.
Medi-Cal: Understanding the Basics
Medi-Cal is a government-funded program that provides medical insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families in California. The program is administered by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and is designed to help ensure that all Californians have access to affordable healthcare services.
To qualify for Medi-Cal, an individual or family must meet certain income and eligibility requirements. Once enrolled, members can receive a wide range of health care services, including doctor visits, hospital care, dental and vision services, and prescription medications.
It is important to note that Medi-Cal coverage is not the same as Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program primarily for people over 65 and those with certain disabilities. Medi-Cal is specifically designed to provide coverage for low-income individuals and families of all ages.
In addition to basic health care services, Medi-Cal also covers a number of specialty services and programs, such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and long-term care. Members can also access preventative care services, such as immunizations and cancer screenings, to help maintain their overall health and well-being.
Overall, Medi-Cal is an essential program that provides vital healthcare coverage to millions of Californians. By understanding the basics of Medi-Cal and its coverage options, individuals and families can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they receive the care they need to stay healthy.
What May Be Covered by Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal covers a wide range of medical expenses, including but not limited to doctor’s visits, medication, dental screenings, rehabilitation, surgery, hospital visits, and more. It also covers specialty services and programs such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and long-term care. Members can also access preventative care services, such as immunizations and cancer screenings, to help maintain their overall health and well-being.
- Outpatient (ambulatory) services
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Prescription drugs
- Laboratory services
- Children’s services, including oral and vision care
What Is on the Application?
- Address
- Preferred language
- Whether you or others in your family have a disability
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Employment and income information
- Birthday
- Social Security Number
