How to apply for Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible California residents, including many people with low incomes. Coverage can include primary and specialty doctor visits, hospital and emergency care, prescriptions, preventive services and vaccinations, maternity care, mental health and substance-use services, lab and diagnostic services, and dental and vision benefits.
Who it's for
California residents who meet the requirements for income, age, pregnancy, disability, or a particular Medi-Cal program. California provides full-scope Medi-Cal to otherwise eligible people regardless of immigration status.
Are you eligible for Medi-Cal?
Answer nine short questions about your age, household, and income to see whether Medi-Cal may be worth applying for. It takes about a minute.
This check is general information, not an official eligibility decision. Your answers stay on this page and are not sent anywhere. To apply or confirm, visit BenefitsCal or talk with your county eligibility worker.
Household information you'll need
You'll be asked for this information when you apply for Medi-Cal. Gather it ahead of time so the application goes smoothly.
Household composition & size
- Total household size — everyone living in your home, including yourself, your spouse, and any tax dependents.
- Tax filing status — whether you plan to file taxes, and who you claim as a tax dependent (even if they are not applying for coverage themselves).
- Relationships — the legal marital status or relationship of everyone listed in your household.
Household income information
- Gross income — total earnings from jobs, self-employment, or odd jobs for all household members.
- Unearned income — Social Security benefits, disability payments, unemployment, child support, or pensions received by anyone in the home.
- Income documents — recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns.
Member-specific details
- Social Security numbers for all household members who have them.
- Dates of birth and proof of identity (such as a driver's license or birth certificate) for applicants.
- Special status — information about pregnancy, blindness, disabilities, or Medicare enrollment for applicable household members.
- Proof of California residency (like a utility bill or lease) and immigration or citizenship documents, if applicable.
- Assets and property — for seniors 65+, disabled applicants, or those needing long-term care.
How to apply
- 1
Decide where to apply
You can apply online through BenefitsCal, through Covered California, by phone or in person at your county social services office, or by mail.
- 2
Create your account and start the application
On BenefitsCal you create an account, then answer questions about your household, your income, and where you live in California.
- 3
List everyone in your household
Include the people you live with and file taxes with. Children and pregnant people often qualify even when other adults in the home do not.
- 4
Upload or mail your documents
BenefitsCal lets you take photos of your documents with a phone and upload them. Your county may also accept them by mail or in person.
- 5
Watch for mail from your county
Your county will send a notice about your eligibility and may ask for more information. Answer by the date on the letter so your case stays open.
- 6
Choose a health plan once you are approved
Most Medi-Cal members pick a managed-care plan and a primary-care doctor. If you do not choose, a plan will be assigned to you and you can change it later.
What to have ready
- Proof of California residency, such as a lease, utility bill, or mail with your address
- Identification, if you have it
- Immigration or humanitarian status documents, if you have them
- Proof of income — pay stubs, a benefits letter, or a statement from your employer
- Birth dates and Social Security numbers for household members who have them
Where to apply
Good to know
- Applications are accepted all year — there is no open-enrollment period for Medi-Cal.
- Many members pay little or nothing; costs depend on your eligibility category and services.
- Federal immigration rules can affect how coverage is funded, but California offers full-scope Medi-Cal to otherwise eligible people regardless of immigration status.
This California guide is general information, not an official eligibility decision. Requirements vary by program and can change. A resettlement agency, county benefits office, or Covered California enrollment counselor can help you confirm your options.