How Medi-Cal Works

Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application. This means that once you apply, you’ll find out which program you qualify for. Some households qualify for both.

Find the Care You Need Based on Your Needs.

Covered California health insurance plans — and all health plans in the individual and small-group markets — are sold in four levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. As the metal category increases in value, so does the percentage of medical expenses that a health plan covers compared with what you are expected to pay in co-pays and deductibles.

Qualify Based on Your Income

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal uses federal poverty level (FPL) limits of the current year to determine eligibility for its programs.

Qualify Based on Programs You Use

  • - CalFresh
  • - SSI/SSP
  • - CalWorks (AFDC)
  • - Refugee Assistance
  • - Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program
  • - CalWorks (AFDC)
Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

Other Possible Qualifications

  • - 65 and older
  • - Blind
  • - Disabled
  • - Under 21
  • - Pregnant
  • - Residents in skilled nursing or intermediate care homes
  • - people with refugee status for a limited time
  • - Parents or caretakers of disadvantaged children under 21
  • - People who were diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

Based on Income

Qualify Based on Your Income

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal uses federal poverty level (FPL) limits of the current year to determine eligibility for its programs.

Download Income Eligibility Chart (PDF) Shop Plans

Based on Programs

Qualify Based on Programs You Use

  • - CalFresh
  • - SSI/SSP
  • - CalWorks (AFDC)
  • - Refugee Assistance
  • - Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program
  • - CalWorks (AFDC)
Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

Other Qualifications

Other Possible Qualifications

  • - 65 and older
  • - Blind
  • - Disabled
  • - Under 21
  • - Pregnant
  • - Residents in skilled nursing or intermediate care homes
  • - people with refugee status for a limited time
  • - Parents or caretakers of disadvantaged children under 21
  • - People who were diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

Medi-Cal Programs

Medi-Cal coverage is available for individuals and families, children and pregnant individuals.

Medi-Cal for

Individuals & Families

Depending on your income, you can get free or low cost health care.

Medi-Cal for

Children

Children under age 19 can get Medi-Cal, even if their parents don’t qualify.

Medi-Cal for

Pregnancy

Medi-Cal offers free or affordable programs for pregnancy coverage.

What do I Need to Apply?

Social Security Numbers

For applicants who have them.

Federal Tax Information

For the applicants who file taxes.

Immigration Documents

For non-citizens.

Employer and Income Information

For everyone in your family.

What You May Qualify to Get

Preventive Care

Enjoy free services, like well-baby visits and checkups.

Emergency Services

Ambulance and emergency room services.

Primary Care

Doctor visits for sickness, injuries or other concerns.

Dental and Vision

Teeth cleanings, fillings, eye exams and glasses.

Family Planning

Counseling, screening and family-planning services.

Prescription Coverage

Low-cost or free prescriptions.

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

Counseling and treatment are covered.

Ready to Apply for Covered California?

Find the Right Plan

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