Californiaʼs Free Medical Aid Program: Medi-Cal
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes. You can apply for Medi-Cal benefits regardless of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status. If you are found (or determined) eligible, you can get Medi-Cal as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Who Can Get Medi-Cal?
People in many different situations qualify for Medi-Cal. They are listed below. If you are not in one of these groups, call your county social service agency to determine if you qualify for a county-operated medical assistance program.
You may automatically be eligible for Medi-Cal if you receive cash assistance under one of the following programs:
- SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Program)
- CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) // Previously called Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
- Refugee Assistance
- Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program
Even if you don’t receive cash assistance, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal if you are one of the following:
- 65 or older
- Blind
- Disabled
- Under 21
- Pregnant
- Diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer
- In a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility
- Refugee status during a limited period of eligibility (Adult refugees may or may not beeligible depending upon how long they have been in the U.S.)
- Parent or caretaker relative of a child under 21 and:
The child’s parent is deceased or does not live with the child, or
The child’s parent is incapacitated, or
The child’s parent who is the primary wage earner is unemployed or underemployed
More Information
Apply for Medi-Cal
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