Can You Apply for Medi-Cal & What Are the Requirements?

Medi-Cal is the California branch of the federal Medicaid. This is a health care/insurance program for those with low income levels, according to the 2007 Federal Poverty Level Chart (see Resources), that usually provides medical services at no cost. Even if your income level does not meet the Medi-Cal requirement you can still receive the benefits if you pay a portion of your medical expences. The eligibility, however, is not based only on your income, and you need to know the criteria before applying.

Eligibility Through State/Federal Assistance Programs

• You are most likely eligible for Medi-Cal if you receive cash assistance as part of Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Program, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, Refugee Assistance or Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program. If you are on Medicare, then you may also be eligible for special Medi-Cal programs that pay for some of Medicare costs.

General Eligibility

• To be eligible to apply for Medi-Cal you need to be 65 or older; blind or disabled; under 21; pregnant; have breast or cervical cancer; live in a nursing home or similar establishment; have a refugee status. You are also eligible if you are a parent or caregiver relative of a child whose parent is deceased or does not live with the child; is incapacitated; or is unemployed or underemployed and is the primary earner in the household, according to California Department of Health Care Services.

Application

• You need to contact one of the County Welfare/Social Services Department in your area (see Resources for the list and contact information) for Medi-Cal application. Once you fill it in you can either mail it to or visit the local social services office. Keep in mind that you will need proof of your income, disability or anything else that you are basing your eligibility for Medi-Cal on. Once submitted it may take up to 45 days to process your application, or 90, if based on a disability, to determine eligibility. You will be notified of the decision via regular mail.

  If you receive federal or state assistance as described earlier then you might automatically get Medi-Cal approval. Contact your local social services department for more information.

Considerations

• Call your local social services department office to find out if there is anything else you need to apply for Medi-Cal based on your specific case. Make sure you submit all of the required documents and information so that your application is processed without a delay. The eligibility review process can be done sooner than 45 days if you have a medical emergency or are pregnant.