10 Jul Frequently Asked Questions: Medi-Cal Expansion to Undocumented Young Adults Age 19 through 25
On June 27, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the 2019-2020 fiscal year state budget, which included numerous provisions that will increase access to benefits for Kheir Clinic patients. One of the most significant elements of the new budget is the expansion of Medi-Cal benefits to low-income individuals age 19 through 25, regardless of immigration status (Medi-Cal benefits were previously available for undocumented individuals only if age 18 or under).
Most provisions of the budget went into effect July 1, 2019, but the Medi-Cal expansion will go into effect on or after January 1, 2020. Additional information on the expansion of Medi-Cal is outlined below.
Who is eligible to receive Medi-Cal benefits under the new budget?
Effective January 1, 2020, all individuals under the age of 26 will be eligible for Full-scope Medi-Cal if they meet requirements; immigration status does not matter. For children age 0-18, household income must be 266% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or lower in order to qualify for Medi-Cal. For young adults age 19-25, income must be 138% of the FPL or lower in order to qualify for Medi-Cal.
What if I am about to turn 26 years old?
Medi-Cal benefits will not be available for individuals once they turn 26. However, undocumented individuals age 26 and above who live in Los Angeles County can enroll in in My Health LA, a no-cost healthcare program for low-income residents of Los Angeles County who do not have insurance and are not eligible for Full-scope Medi-Cal. Kheir provides enrollment support for Emergency Medi-Cal, Full-scope Medi-Cal, My Health LA, and other programs. We can guide patients through the enrollment process in English, Korean, Spanish, Bengali, and Thai.
When and how can I apply for Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal expansion to all young adults age 19 through 25 will go into effect January 1, 2020 or after. We encourage individuals in this age range to apply for Emergency Medi-Cal NOW. If you are a 19 to 25-year-old undocumented individual with Emergency Medi-Cal, you will be automatically enrolled in Full-scope Medi-Cal on or after January 1, 2020. You will not need to enroll separately for Full-scope Medi-Cal. You will receive a notice in the mail informing you of your eligibility for Full-scope Medi-Cal benefits and information about enrolling in a Medi-Cal managed healthcare plan (such as Health Net, L.A. Care, Molina, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield Promise, etc.). Kheir staff can help you pick the right plan for you.
How do I apply for Emergency Medi-Cal?
If your income is 138% of the FPL or lower, you are eligible for Emergency Medi-Cal now, regardless of your immigration status. You can visit a Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) office to enroll. In addition, a DPSS representative is onsite at Kheir Clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays who can help with Emergency Medi-Cal enrollment. You can make an appointment to apply for Emergency Medi-Cal by contacting Kheir’s Patient Resources Department. To apply for Emergency Medi-Cal, you must submit an ID and documents proving your residence status, income, and address.
What happens once I have Emergency Medi-Cal?
Once you are approved for Emergency Medi-Cal, you will receive a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) and you will have access to restricted scope Medi-Cal until January 1, 2020, when you will transition to Full-scope Medi-Cal. You will continue to use the same BIC for Full-scope Medi-Cal. Remember to bring your BIC wherever you go for medical or dental care.
What is the difference between Emergency Medi-Cal and Full-scope Medi-Cal?
Emergency Medi-Cal (or restricted scope Medi-Cal) covers a limited number of services, such as emergency care, but does not cover other things, like primary care and medications. Full-scope Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost healthcare services, including medical, dental, mental health and vision care. Full-scope Medi-Cal also covers family planning, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, medication prescribed by a medical provider, vaccines, hospital stays, medically necessary specialty care, and more.
If I receive Medi-Cal benefits, will it make me a public charge? Will it affect my greencard or citizenship application approval in the future?
California’s Department of Health Care Services keeps your information private and will only use your information to check Medi-Cal eligibility. The proposed change to federal public charge rules (regarding Medicaid benefits) has not been decided or announced at this time.
Who can I call for more questions?
Kheir’s Patient Resources Department provides enrollment assistance for Emergency Medi-Cal, Full-scope Medi-Cal, My Health LA, and other programs, all in English, Korean, Spanish, Bengali, and Thai. Call (213) 427-4000, select your language, and press 3 for Enrollment Assistance to make an appointment.
About Kheir
Since 1986, Kheir Center has addressed the critical need for culturally and linguistically-sensitive quality health care and human services. Initially established to serve as a bridge between recently immigrated Koreans and local social services providers, Kheir has evolved into a Federally Qualified Health Care agency, providing comprehensive health care for a diverse population through its Community Clinics, Patient Resources Department and Adult Day Health Care Center.