How to apply for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Temporary health coverage in California for certain refugees and other eligible humanitarian populations who aren't eligible for Medi-Cal.
Who it's for
Eligibility depends on ORR-eligible immigration or humanitarian status, Medi-Cal eligibility, income, and California program requirements.
How to apply
- 1
Contact your resettlement agency or county benefits office
Contact your California resettlement agency, county benefits office, or the California Department of Social Services Refugee Programs Bureau.
- 2
Tell the caseworker you need help applying for health coverage
Tell the caseworker: "I need help applying for health coverage."
- 3
Ask to be screened for Medi-Cal first
Ask to be screened for Medi-Cal first.
- 4
If not eligible for Medi-Cal, ask about RMA
If you aren't eligible for Medi-Cal, ask: "Am I eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance?"
- 5
Provide the documents requested
Provide the documents requested by the program, which may include immigration/refugee documents, identity information, income information, household information, and arrival/eligibility information.
- 6
Complete the RMA application or eligibility process
Complete the RMA application or eligibility process used in California.
- 7
Respond promptly if additional documents are requested
Respond promptly if additional documents are requested.
- 8
If approved, ask when coverage begins and ends
If approved, ask when coverage begins and ends.
- 9
Ask which providers accept the coverage
Ask which doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals accept the coverage.
- 10
Plan for longer-term coverage before RMA ends
Before RMA ends, work with the resettlement agency or benefits worker to identify longer-term coverage.
What to have ready
- Immigration/refugee documents
- Identity information
- Income information
- Household information
- Arrival/eligibility information
Good to know
- RMA is temporary, so newly arrived refugees should investigate it promptly.
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.