California Medicaid Program (Medi-Cal) & Eligibility
Coverage, eligibility, and how to get Medi-Cal help in California.
Medicaid Expansion
State Coverage
Medicaid in California
CA Medicaid Eligibility
- Live in the state of California
- You are a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified immigrant (lawful permanent residents must have held status for at least 5 years)*
- Your household income is at or below the limit for the specific program that applies to you
Applying for Medicaid
- Online: Apply at benefitscal.com, the state benefits portal.
- By phone: Call your local county office. Find your local county office’s phone number here, or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.
- By mail: Complete the paper application and mail it to your local county office. Find your local county office here.
- In person: You can get help applying at your local county social services office. Find your local county office here.
It helps to have the following ready for everyone in your household:
- Dates of birth
- Social Security Numbers
- Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2, 1099, or tax return)
- Current health insurance information, if any
After Applying
It may take up to 45 days to process your Medi-Cal application. If you apply for Medi-Cal based on disability, it may take up to 90 days.
While your application is under review: You may receive a notice requesting additional documents, such as proof of income. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
If you’re approved:
- You can use your Medi-Cal benefits right away. Coverage may be retroactive, meaning Medi-Cal may help cover bills you've already received.
- You'll receive a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) in the mail. Keep it safe and bring it to all medical appointments.
- You'll enroll in a Medi-Cal managed care plan, which are like the health plans people have with private insurance.
Staying enrolled:
- Report any changes in income, household size, address, or family status as soon as possible.
- Your coverage must be renewed annually. Watch for renewal notices and respond promptly to avoid losing coverage.
Income Limits
Income limits for Medi-Cal depend on your household size and what program applies to you.
What’s Covered
Doctor and Hospital Visits
Preventative Care and Screenings
Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
Prescription Drugs
Maternity and Newborn Care
Dental and Vision Services
Long-Term Care (for eligible individuals)
Emergency Transportation Services
Need help with Medi-Cal?
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Medicaid in Minnesota is a public health insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Minnesota, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, you may still qualify for subsidized coverage through Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace.
How you apply depends on your age and situation:
- Adults under 65 typically apply through MNSURE
- Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities usually apply through their local Department of Social Services (DSS)
Applications can be submitted online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Filling out government forms (paper or digital) can be confusing. We know the anxiety of missing important mail from the state. We built Fortuna to take the stress out of health plan coverage.
We provide your own dedicated navigator available by phone and chat to help you out!
For most people, Medicaid in Minnesota (Medical Assistance) has no monthly premium and very low or no out‑of‑pocket costs. Some services may require small copayments, but many groups (such as children and pregnant individuals) are exempt.
Medicare is health insurance that generally covers people aged 65+. Medicaid covers people of all ages if you make below a certain income or face hardship based on other circumstances like disability.
Fortuna focuses on Medicaid. If you need Medicare support, we can help you enroll onto a Medicare-Medicaid program.
Yes, if Fortuna is available through our partner health plan and providers. Please contact your insurer or provider for more information.
Yes, Fortuna is only available through providers and insurers. Please contact us at info@fortunahealth.com for more information.
Ready to renew or start your coverage?
Take the next step and keep your Medicaid benefits active with Fortuna’s simple, guided process.
