Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal
What Is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to residents with limited income. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive care.
Am I Eligible?
- Adults: household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Children (0-19): household income up to 266% of the Federal Poverty Level; children automatically receive preventive health, vision, and dental screenings through their Medi-Cal managed care plan
- Pregnant individuals: household income up to 266% FPL; Presumptive Eligibility offers immediate, temporary coverage (up to 60 days) for prenatal care at 213% FPL or below, while a full application is processed
- Seniors/Emergency: Emergency Medi-Cal remains available regardless of immigration status for qualifying emergency care
- California residency required
Renewals
Medi-Cal renews annually. A packet is mailed about 60 days before your renewal date and must be returned by the deadline, online at BenefitsCal.com, by phone, mail, or in person. Presumptive Eligibility is not renewable, a formal application must be submitted before the 60-day period ends.
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of California residency
- Proof of household size
- Child’s birth certificate or proof of age (for children’s Medi-Cal)
- Immigration or citizenship documentation, if applicable
Recent Changes
- Since January 1, 2026, adults 19+ with certain immigration statuses applying on or after that date qualify only for restricted-scope Medi-Cal. Those already enrolled before January 1, 2026 keep full-scope coverage, provided they renew on time.
- Starting October 2026, a federal reclassification of certain immigration statuses (affecting refugees, asylees, and humanitarian parolees) may impact eligibility; those affected will receive state-funded full-scope coverage through June 30, 2027.
