Apply for Medi-Cal Coverage

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, helps low-income families get health coverage at little to no cost. Depending on your income and family size, you could qualify for this service. Learn more about applying for Medi-Cal.

What Exactly Is Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program is supported by federal and state taxes. It serves the medical needs of adults and children with limited resources or income. All California residents who are U.S. citizens, legal aliens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents can apply regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or veteran status.

To qualify, your annual income needs to be 138% of the poverty line or below. You can also get Medi-Cal if you’ve been on refugee status for a limited time, but it depends on how long you’ve been in the U.S. Parents or caretakers of eligible children may also apply on their behalf.

Medi-Cal covers most medical services, from maternity to substance use, but Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) exist to fill in some of the gaps. These non-profit clinics provide primary care services to underserved areas. They work on a sliding scale fee to serve those with limited budgets.

How Do I Get Medi-Cal?

You can get a quote for Medi-Cal through Health for California or sign up via your county social services office. There are multiple ways to apply, so you can choose an option that works for your schedule and preferences. Your county office and insurance plan will contact you when you become enrolled so you can get started.

What Does the Application Process Involve?

During the Medi-Cal application process, you can apply for Medi-Cal online, by phone, in person or by mail. The application requires information about you and your family members that helps your local agency determine your eligibility. You will need to provide these details about each person in your household:

• Age
• Employment
• Marital status
• Tax information
• Identification
• Citizenship

The information required for each family member depends on their age, disability status and other factors. Documents needed for Medi-Cal include:

• Social Security numbers: A Social Security number will help your county social services office verify your identity and information.
• Employment and income: If you earn income, you must provide information about your salary or unemployment benefits. These documents may be pay slips or some other proof of unemployment benefits.
• Federal tax information: The head of the household and their dependents may need to present federal tax information. Keep in mind that you could still become eligible for Medi-Cal even if you do not file taxes in certain cases.
• Immigration documentation: If you don’t have American citizenship, you should provide immigration documents to check your eligibility for other services. Undocumented children can qualify for Medi-Cal, but undocumented adults cannot.

Remember to have these documents on hand when you apply. After you apply, you will receive a letter of determination letting you know if anyone in your family qualifies for Medi-Cal. Covered California will keep all of your information secure according to federal and state law.

How Does Medi-Cal Provide Medical Assistance?

As a Medi-Cal member, you receive free or low-cost coverage through a commercial or public insurance plan. While the specific benefits you receive from your plan may vary, they all provide the 10 “essential health benefits” required by the ACA.

Under Medi-Cal, a member may have full-scope coverage, where all services are covered under Medi-Cal, or partial-scope coverage, where only some services are covered.

What Options Does Medi-Cal Offer for Children, Adults and Families?

When you apply for Medi-Cal, your county’s social services office will determine the eligibility of every family member. Depending on your circumstances, some household members might qualify, while others need to get a Covered California plan. Some Medi-Cal services aim to keep families and children healthy. Children, adults and their families may qualify for the following special services:

• Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP): Low-cost coverage for pregnant women based on income
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Assistance for low-income children who don’t qualify for Medicaid coverage
• Coverage for former foster youth: Free Medi-Cal until age 26 for people in foster care on their 18th birthday or later

Your letter of determination and local county social service office can help you discover more services that help your family get the most out of Medi-Cal.

How to Sign Up for Medi-Cal

There are four ways to apply for Medi-Cal—online, in person, by mail or on the phone. Here’s how to apply for Medi-Cal:

1. Online

The easiest, most convenient option is to request a quote for Medi-Cal through Health for California. Our service is free to use. Simply submit your information, and we’ll get back to you about if you qualify for Medi-Cal through Covered California. This is your fastest option if you’re interested in signing up for Medi-Cal.

2. By Phone

When you apply via phone, an operator will guide you through the steps. Contact your county social services office and follow the prompts. Keep in mind that call volume may be high, so the process could take time. For faster service, contact Health for California to get free access to knowledgeable agents who are available to talk you through your options, answer questions and guide you through the steps.

3. In Person

You can visit one of the county offices where staff members are available to help you with Medi-Cal applications. Make sure to bring all necessary documentation and paperwork. California has hundreds of Medi-Cal enrollment centers and thousands of certified enrollers ready to help you apply.

4. By Mail

You have the option to apply for Medi-Cal by mail. Follow these steps:

1. Print and fill out the application form.
2. Mail it to Covered California, P.O. Box 989725, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9725, or your local county office.

The application forms are available in several languages, including Tagalog, Chinese and Arabic. Once you’ve mailed the application, you’ll receive a phone call from an assistant in a few business days. They will walk you through your application and confirm your qualifying details.

Commonly Asked Questions

Get the answers to commonly asked questions about applying for Medi-Cal:

Can I Get Medicaid? Can I Register for Medi-Cal?

Any California resident can register for Medicaid through Medi-Cal and other Medi-Cal programs. Since Medi-Cal has more than 90 eligibility categories, applying can help you understand if you fall under one of them. The people who qualify for Medi-Cal can include:

• Low-income adults
• Families with children
• Pregnant women
• People with disabilities
• Seniors
• Foster children
• Former foster youth

When you apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California, your letter of determination will let you know if you or a family member qualifies. If you don’t have Medi-Cal eligibility, you may qualify for coverage under Covered California.

Can I Get Medi-Cal if I Have Insurance?

Yes. If you have private health insurance, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal coverage can be added to an existing insurance plan. Your provider will first bill your private insurance. Then, Medi-Cal will pay for any additional services it covers.

Do I Have Medi-Cal Enrollment? How Can I Find Out?

After you apply for Medi-Cal, you should receive a letter in the mail with you and your family members’ eligibility. If you don’t get this letter within 45 days of submitting your application, call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506. Your county social services office may also have information that can help.

Get a Quote for Medi-Cal Today

Health for California can help you understand your potential health insurance prices and your chance of qualifying for government assistance. You can get a free quote for California health insurance by giving us some information about your household. Our plan options make it easy to see and understand your choices.

At Health for California, we are passionate about health care for all. Our online quote request and application process is inclusive, quick and easy, and free of charge. Our agents are ready to answer all your questions and walk you through the steps. Feel free to contact us and start your application today.