Eligibility Requirements for Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California's state-provided health care assistance program for lower-income families. Other states call their equivalent programs Medicaid. The program is designed to help low-income families and medically needy people get the health care they need at little or no cost to them. Medically needy people include pregnant women, people with disabilities and children under age 21. To verify your state's eligibility requirements for health care assistance, visit their department of health care services website. You must apply through the Department of Healthcare Services in order to qualify for and receive benefits.

Residency

• Medi-Cal is a state program for California residents only.

  Medi-Cal is available only to California residents. U.S. citizens must supply proof of address, which can be a utility bill with a California address and the applicant's name. Non-citizens are required to supply documentation that shows they are approved for California residency, such as a green card or work visa. See the California Department of Healthcare Services website for a list of accepted documents.

Income

• Income requirements vary depending on your family situation.

  Since Medi-Cal is an assistance program for low-income families, you are required to be within a certain income bracket to qualify for benefits. This bracket changes based on the number of people in your family and the disability status of your family members. If your family does not meet the income requirements, you may be eligible for partial assistance. When you apply, the state worker processing your application will help you understand the income requirements.

Fraud

• Never attempt to defraud state assistance programs.

  Being dishonest about your income, family size or residency status is considered fraud. Fraudulent claims to receive health care benefits can result in having your benefits revoked, being required to repay benefits that you received, and possible criminal charges. Make sure to inform the Healthcare Services Department of any changes in your income, family size and residency to avoid claims of fraud.

Medically Needy

• Disabled people are able to receive Medi-Cal benefits under less strict income guidelines.

  Medi-Cal is available with less strict income requirements for people who are considered medically needy by the state. The state considers the following groups medically needy: people age 65 or older, the blind, people with disabilities, people under age 21, pregnant women, people in an assisted living facility or under skilled nursing care, people temporarily in the U.S. on refugee status, and women who have been screened for breast and/or cervical cancer. For the income guidelines based on these special situations and family size, see the Medi-Cal website.