How to Choose Kaiser Permanente for Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California's health insurance for residents under the federal poverty level and is equivalent to Medicaid in other states. Most recipients will need to choose a health plan offered through Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans. Health plans vary depending upon the county that you live in. Kaiser Permanente is not offered in every county. When a person is approved for Medi-Cal they are sent a packet explaining the health plans they have to choose from. Family members may have different plans and anyone can change their plan at anytime.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the Health Plan Directory on California's Medi-Cal Health Care Options website to see if Kaiser Permanente is offered in your area.

• 2

  Call Health Care Options at [phone] and ask them for specific instructions to enroll with Kaiser. Oftentimes they will be able to enroll you over the telephone. Alternatively, visit your local Medi-Cal office to speak with a Health Care Options representative to complete the required paperwork.

• 3

  Visit the Kaiser Permanente center that you are assigned to, for all of your medical needs. You will be assigned a primary care doctor within the facility. You will also receive a card from Kaiser, in addition to the Benefits Identification Card issued by Medi-Cal. Do not throw away the state card as you may need it in the future.