Medi-Cal

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.

Who is eligible?

Some people who apply for Covered California may qualify for Medi-Cal. Eligibility is based on several factors, including:

Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify.

  • CalFresh
  • SSI/SSP
  • CalWorks (AFDC)
  • Refugee Assistance
  • Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program

Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

  • 65 or older
  • Blind
  • Disabled
  • Under 21
  • Pregnant
  • Residents in skilled nursing or intermediate care homes
  • People with refugee status for a limited time
  • Parents or caretakers of disadvantaged children under 21
  • People who were diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer

How to Get a Health Plan

Depending upon your income, you can get free or low-cost health care through Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal also offers free or affordable programs to start pregnancy coverage right away.

Once you apply for the type of coverage you need with Covered California, you will find out if you are eligible and how the coverage program applies to you.

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Renewing Your Benefits

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Annually

To keep your Medi-Cal coverage, you’ll have to renew once a year on your original sign-up date. 

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When You Report a Change

You must report any household changes within 10 days to your local county social services office.

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If you're notified that you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal, call our service center within 60 days to see what your options are with Covered California. Contact Us arrow_forward

Find out if you are eligible for Medi-Cal

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Need help applying?

You can get help from a certified enrollment counselor right away. It’s always free and confidential. Talk to someone about your options and have them guide you through the process. You can enroll in person, by phone or online.

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Help is available in more than a dozen languages.

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Set your new plan in motion.

If you got a notice saying you have a new plan through Covered California after losing Medi-Cal, you’ll need to complete enrollment. You can keep, change or cancel this plan now.

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Will you be affected by the upcoming changes to Medi-Cal?

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