About Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid healthcare program that provides comprehensive health coverage for people with low or no income, including families with children, older adults, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, pregnant women, and low-income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, or HIV/AIDS. CalWORKs participants and those in foster care are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal.
To qualify for Medi-Cal, you have to live in California and meet program eligibility rules. If your income is too high to qualify for Medi-Cal you may qualify for reduced premiums when you enroll in a health plan through Covered California.
You can sign up for Medi-Cal online at BenefitsCal.com. Our staff is also available to serve you online, by phone, email, fax, drop-off/mail-in services, and in person. Learn more about the many ways to apply.
Medi-Cal clients must renew benefits each year. If your income, address, or household situation changes at any time during the year, please report these changes within 10 days rather than waiting for the annual renewal process.
Medi-Cal News & Information
250% Working Disabled Program
The 250% Working Disabled Program is a full-scope, zero share-of-cost Medi-Cal program designed for those who are working at least one hour per month with pay and who meet the Social Security Administration federal disability definition. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, such as California residency, and pay a monthly premium to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). After enrollment and payment of the monthly premium, if medical services are covered by Medi-Cal, those services will be paid by the Medi-Cal program. Learn more about the 250 Percent Working Disabled Program. You can read Medi-Cal and Other Low-Income Programs for more information.
Health Coverage Information for Tax Purposes
IRS Form 1095-B provides information about your health coverage for the tax year. The California Department of Health Care Services will mail Form 1095-B to Medi-Cal participants. Some taxpayers may not receive Form 1095-B by the time they are ready to file their tax returns. While the information on Form 1095-B may assist in preparing tax returns, taxpayers should not wait for the form. They should file their returns as they normally would. Taxpayers are not required to – and should not – attach Form 1095-B to their tax returns. Free help with filing tax returns is available.
Learn more about IRS Form 1095-B.
Resources to Help Understand the Public Charge Rule
Currently, most benefits do not count against your immigration qualifications. The Public Charge Rule helps you understand the specific benefits that may factor into the immigration process.
Resources to Help Understand the Public Charge Rule
Please note: The federal government has considered tightening this rule in the future, which could negatively impact some immigrants using benefits. Watch this page for information if changes take shape.
What to Do If You Lose Your Medi-Cal
There are several County and community resources for people who find themselves without healthcare coverage. HSA has compiled a reference sheet (English and Spanish) that includes free, low-cost and sliding-scale services in Ventura County.
Skip the Line with BenefitsCal
Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief clients can check status or renew their benefits online, report changes, and upload documents at BenefitsCal.com.
Helpful Medi-Cal Links
HSA does not ask applicants about their health status when they apply for benefits. Similarly, children may only enter foster care if they have experienced or are at risk of abuse or neglect. Children cannot be placed in foster care because a parent may be ill.