What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes. You can apply for Medi-Cal benefits regardless of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status. If you are found (or determined) eligible, you can get Medi-Cal as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements

Visit the Department of Health Services for more information.

Renew Benefits

Once a year all households must complete a renewal process to determine continued eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits. The purpose of the process is to report changes of address, family size, employment, taxable income and other expenses.

Your local County Welfare/Social Services Department manages Medi-Cal eligibility determinations. If you have questions, you can find the addresses and telephone numbers under County Social Services Office Listing.

How Can Medi-Cal Help You?

The Medi-Cal program assists Californians in various family and medical situations. When you apply, the information you provide on your Medi-Cal Application and any required verification (proof) will be used to determine which program(s) you qualify for, and which program is best for you and your family.

Who Can Get Medi-Cal?

People in many different situations qualify for Medi-Cal. They are listed below. If you are not in one of these groups, call your county social service agency to determine if you qualify for a county-operated medical assistance program. You may automatically be eligible for Medi-Cal if you receive cash assistance under one of the following programs:

  • SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Program)
  • CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids). Previously called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
  • Refugee Assistance
  • Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program.

Even if you don't receive cash assistance, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal if you are one of the following:

  • 65 or older
  • Blind
  • Disabled
  • Under 21
  • Pregnant
  • Diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
  • In a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility.
  • Refugee status during a limited period of eligibility. Adult refugees may or may not be eligible depending upon how long they have been in the U.S.
  • Parent or caretaker relative of a child under 21 and
  • The child's parent is deceased or does not live with the child, or
  • The child's parent is incapacitated, or
  • The child's parent who is the primary wage earner is unemployed or underemployed.

Do I have to live in California to Get Medi-Cal?

Yes, you must be a resident of California to get Medi-Cal. A California resident is someone who lives here and plans to stay here, or someone who is working or looking for work in California. 

How Do I Apply for Medi-Cal?

Apply on line on this website; visit e-benefits California for more information

  • Call or visit your local county social services office and ask for a Medi-Cal application.
  • If you need help filling out the forms, call the county social services agency. Mail or take your application with the required verifications (proof) to the nearest social services office in your county. If you do not have all your verifications, or are not sure of what you need, please send what you have. You can send the rest later. The sooner the social services agency receives your application, the sooner your case may be processed and your Medi-Cal benefits can begin.
  • If you get SSI/SSP payments, your Social Security administration office automatically sets up Medi-Cal for you. No separate application for Medi-Cal is needed. You will get your Medi-Cal card (BIC) in the mail.

If you get CalWORKs payments, the county social services agency automatically sets up Medi-Cal for you. No separate Medi-Cal application is needed. You will get your Medi-Cal card (BIC) in the mail.

How Is My Application Processed?

  • When the county receives your application the eligibility worker will review your application. If additional information is needed, the worker may ask you for information by mail or by phone. If you want to meet with your worker to discuss your application, call your worker to set up an appointment.
  • Once the eligibility worker has all of the necessary information, he or she will determine if you are eligible for Medi-Cal. You will get a letter in the mail telling you if your Medi-Cal application is approved or denied. If you do not understand this letter or do not agree with the information in this letter, contact the eligibility worker at the county social services office. If you still disagree with the county's action, you may file for a State Hearing by completing the back of the Notice of Action the county sends you or by calling the toll free number.

Anyone can help you with the application process - a family member, friend, or anyone else of your choice.

How Long Does It Take?

Forty-five (45) days are allowed to process a Medi-Cal application not involving a disability. If you are applying for Medi-Cal based on a disability, your application process may take up to 90 days depending on how quickly you complete the disability information and when your doctors and hospitals submit your medical records. To avoid processing delays, submit all information requested of you as soon as possible. Ask your eligibility worker for help if you cannot get the information. If you have an immediate medical or dental need, such as pregnancy or a severe illness, indicate this need on your application and your application may be processed more quickly. 

Do all health benefit programs charge fees?

No, it depends on the program. Some programs (like Medi-Cal) begin to assign fees based at a certain federal poverty level (household income and family size). Others do not charge any fees for the covered services.

Starting in 2014, the State of California is planning to expand the Medicaid program (called Medi-Cal in California) to cover people under age 65, including people with disabilities whose income is within certain poverty level. The coverage is free for those who qualify and is part of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

For more information regarding the Affordable Care Act (called Covered California in California) see the Covered California website.