California Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program that provides comprehensive health coverage known as “essential health benefits” to eligible California residents with limited income and resources.

Medi-Cal covers a wide range of individuals, including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, regardless of immigration status.¹

Plan options vary depending on the county you reside in, with many areas offering a choice between commercial insurers and community-administered plans.

1. Anthem Blue Cross
2. Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
3. Health Net Community Solutions
4. Kaiser Permanente
5. Molina Healthcare
6. Aetna Better Health of California

Plans are grouped into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, which reflect different cost-sharing levels and eligibility for subsidies.

FAQ

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in California?

As California expands Medicaid coverage, Medi-Cal is no longer limited to pregnant women, children or the elderly. Now it covers almost all non-elderly adults up to 138% of poverty level.

Children under the age of 19 qualify for Medi-Cal when their family has a household income of 266% or less. That’s about $6,056 a month or less for a family of three.

Pregnant women are covered up to 213% of poverty level. Those with income above that threshold may qualify for the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP), which provides comprehensive pregnancy-related care.

How do I apply for Medi-Cal?

California is operating a State-Based Marketplace, known as Covered California , through which you can apply for Medi-Cal or other private health insurance at lower costs.

Be sure to have the necessary documents on hand before starting your application for a seamless enrollment process. Use the quick calculator to get an estimate of what you’ll pay for your plan.

California Department of Health Care Services (CDSS)
Medi-Cal Member & Eligibility Assistance
(800) 541-5555

To speak to a live person at Covered California, call
(800) 300-1506

Do Native Americans get free healthcare in California?

Medi-Cal will expand its coverage to services provided by Native American traditional healers, including herbal medicine, music therapy and spiritual interventions like rituals, which are integral to Native healing traditions.

Native Americans in California who earn less than 300% of the federal poverty level will not have to pay certain out-of-pocket costs, such as copays and deductibles, if they buy their insurance through Covered California.

They may also receive care including behavioral health services from any eligible Tribal Health Program or urban Indian Health program in the state.