1. California Health Insurance
  2. Covered California
  3. Health Insurance Companies
  4. Medi-Cal

Children & Adult Medi-Cal Coverage

Did you know that Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, covers people of all ages? This initiative allows low-income Californians to receive medical services at little or no cost. Medi-Cal can help you afford you and your child’s health care, including medication, doctor’s visits, dental appointments and more.

Medi-Cal for Children

Children can qualify for coverage through Medi-Cal from birth. If you receive Medi-Cal and give birth, your infant will automatically receive coverage. However, remember to contact your Medi-Cal worker to make sure your baby has coverage. Medi-Cal can cover the following medical services for children:

  • Doctor’s check-ups and appointments
  • Dental care
  • Immunizations
  • Hospital stays
  • Surgeries
  • Emergency care
  • X-rays and laboratory work

Your child may also qualify for additional coverage, depending on their medical needs. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) lets children under 21 get screenings for their health care needs. If the examination shows they need extended care, they could qualify for extra medically necessary services.

Foster children and children of immigrants can also qualify for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal can cover a child regardless of their immigration status. Undocumented, low-income children can get full coverage through Medi-Cal. Former foster youth may also qualify for free Medi-Cal until age 26, regardless of income. Someone in foster care on their 18th birthday or later could get zero-cost coverage.

CHIP for Children and Healthy Families

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can provide coverage to children under 19 who apply for Medi-Cal. If a child doesn’t qualify for children’s Medicaid under Medi-Cal, they may qualify for CHIP. When you apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California, you will receive a letter of determination informing you of your eligibility. This letter may suggest CHIP coverage if you cannot get Medicaid for your child. Children can receive similar health care services under CHIP as they can Medi-Cal, but they may have a higher co-pay.

Medi-Cal and CHIP for Everyone in the Family

When you apply for coverage under Medi-Cal, the Department of Health Care Services will consider individual family members. Depending on your income or household size, different members of your family could qualify for specific programs. While an adult might become eligible for private health insurance through Covered California, a child in the same family could receive free Medi-Cal. Your letter of determination will inform you of each family member’s eligibility.

Pregnant applicants can answer “yes” to the application question “Are you pregnant?” for special consideration. If you earn too much income to qualify for Medi-Cal on your own, you could receive coverage during pregnancy. Medi-Cal requirements count pregnant applicants as two people and provide different income calculations. You may also qualify for Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women, which is coverage that lasts for up to 60 days as you apply for Medi-Cal.

Get a Quote for Medi-Cal and CHIP

To learn if your family qualifies for Medi-Cal or CHIP, receive a free quote today. Applying for health insurance through Covered California has no cost and will help you determine the right plan for you and your child.