Medicare & Medicaid

Medi-Cal Program of California

The Medi-Cal program is California’s Medicaid health care program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to eligible California residents with limited income and resources. It is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Medi-Cal, you must fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Low-income adults, including:
    • Single adults
    • Families with children
    • Seniors (age 65 and older)
    • People with disabilities
  2. Pregnant women
  3. Children under the age of 19
  4. Foster care youth up to age 26
  5. Individuals who are blind
  6. Some individuals who are immigrants (depending on their immigration status)

Eligibility is also determined based on income, household size, and other factors. Generally, if your income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Medi-Cal.

How to Enroll

There are several ways to apply for Medi-Cal:

  1. Online:
    • You can apply through the Covered California website (coveredca.com).
  2. In Person:
    • Visit your local county social services office. They can help you with the application process.
  3. By Mail:
    • Download and complete the Medi-Cal application form and mail it to your local county social services office.
  4. By Phone:
    • Call your local county social services office to apply over the phone.

Benefits

Medi-Cal offers a wide range of health care benefits, including:

  1. Doctor Visits and Hospital Care:
    • Primary and specialty care visits
    • Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
  2. Prescription Drugs:
    • Medications prescribed by a doctor
  3. Preventive Care:
    • Immunizations
    • Screenings and wellness visits
  4. Mental Health Services:
    • Counseling and therapy
    • Substance use disorder treatment
  5. Vision and Dental Care:
    • Eye exams and glasses
    • Dental check-ups and treatments
  6. Long-term Care:
    • Nursing home care
    • Home and community-based services
  7. Other Services:
    • Laboratory and X-ray services
    • Emergency services
    • Transportation to medical appointments

The specific benefits you receive may vary based on your eligibility category and the health plan you choose.

-Lê Nguyên Vũ-