How to Get Medi-Cal in California

Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program that's equally funded by the state of California and the federal government. The program is the state's equivalent to the federal Medicare program. With Medi-Cal, low income residents of the state, particularly the elderly and families with children, can receive certain health benefits. Program participants must meet the state's eligibility requirements and apply for and receive permission from California's Department of Healthcare Services enroll in the program.

Instructions

• 1

  Review the eligibility requirements and make sure you qualify (see References). People who are already enrolled in SSI/SSP, CalWorks, refugee assistance, foster care, an adoption assistance program or in-home supportive services are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal. Anyone age 65 or older, and people who are blind, disabled, pregnant, under 21 or living in a nursing home also qualify or Medi-Cal.

• 2

  Download and complete out a Medi-Cal application. The four-page application is available at your local county welfare office or online at the Department of Healthcare Services website (see Resources). The application is available in English and 10 other languages. Read the full instructions first, then complete the form completely and truthfully using an ink pen.

• 3

  Submit the application by mail or in person to your nearest county health and welfare office. A listing of all county health offices in California is available on the Department of Health Care Services website (see Resources). The site lists the name, website, county, street/mailing address and phone number for each office throughout the state.

• 4

  Wait to hear back from the state. Depending on the Department of Healthcare Services and your county health office's caseload, it could take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to receive a decision on your Medi-Cal benefits. If you don't hear anything back about your application in over 90 days, contact your county office to inquire about the application's status.