California Medicaid Programs
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program administered by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), providing free or low-cost health coverage to over 15 million residents. Enrollment is year-round through Covered California or county social services.
Medi-Cal (Full-Scope Coverage)
Medi-Cal is the largest Medicaid program in the nation. Most enrollees receive care through managed care plans in their county.
What it provides: Comprehensive free health coverage for eligible low-income Californians
Assistance: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, dental (adults limited), and vision.
Eligibility: Expanded Medicaid under ACA covers adults without dependent children; no asset test for most enrollees.
Who may qualify:
- Adults with income up to 138% of federal poverty level
- Pregnant women, children, and seniors
- People with disabilities meeting SSI criteria
Requirements:
- Application through Covered California or county social services
- Proof of California residency and identity
- Income verification via pay stubs or tax returns
How to apply: Apply online at CoveredCA.com, by phone at 800-300-1506, or at your county social services office.
Official source: DHCS Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal for Pregnant Women
California provides some of the most comprehensive pregnancy coverage in the country, including coverage regardless of immigration status for delivery services.
What it provides: Immediate pregnancy-related coverage without waiting period
Assistance: Prenatal care, delivery, postpartum care, and newborn coverage.
Eligibility: Coverage begins immediately upon verification of pregnancy; postpartum coverage extended 12 months.
Who may qualify:
- Pregnant women in California regardless of immigration status for delivery
- Income up to 213% of federal poverty level (pregnancy-related coverage)
- Women needing prenatal and postpartum care
Requirements:
- Positive pregnancy test or provider verification
- Income documentation
- Application through county or Covered California
How to apply: Apply immediately upon learning of pregnancy; presumptive eligibility available at clinics.
Official source: DHCS Pregnancy Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal Aged & Disabled Programs
Medi-Cal pays for long-term care for eligible seniors, often after spend-down of excess assets above program limits.
What it provides: Coverage for seniors and people with disabilities including long-term care
Assistance: Medical care, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and nursing facility coverage.
Eligibility: Special rules for long-term care; some programs have asset limits.
Who may qualify:
- Californians age 65 and older meeting income limits
- People with disabilities receiving SSI or meeting Medi-Cal disability standards
- Nursing home residents needing long-term care coverage
Requirements:
- Disability determination or age verification
- Income and asset documentation for certain programs
- Application through county social services
How to apply: Contact your county Department of Social Services or Aging and Adult Services for application assistance.
Official source: DHCS Aged & Disabled