California Medi-Cal Insurance
About Medi-Cal California Health Plans
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most individuals who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive services through health plans, similar to most of the health coverage options available through Covered California. Both Covered California and Medi-Cal use the same application to determine eligibility.
The state and federal government finance Medi-Cal equally. Medi-Cal offers 21 managed care health plans, some of which are also offered by Covered California. Your choices depend on the county in which you live. Freeway Insurance can help you select the best health insurance based on your needs and budget.
What is Medi-Cal in California?
This is a public health insurance program, which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals, including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low-income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS.
What Does Medi-Cal Cover?
All of the health plans offered through Covered California or by Medi-Cal include the same comprehensive set of benefits known as “essential health benefits.” Essential health benefits consist of:
- Outpatient (Ambulatory) services
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and Newborn care
- Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services, including Behavioral Health Treatment
- Prescription Drugs
- Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services) and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services & chronic disease management
- Children’s (Pediatric) services, including oral and vision care
How Much Do Health Services Provided by Medi-Cal Cost?
For many individuals who enroll in Medi-Cal, there are no premiums, no co-payments, and no out of pocket cost. Some households will see affordable costs, such as a low monthly premium. For some Medi-Cal kids, the premium is only $13 per child. In general, individuals in Medi-Cal will get the same health benefits available through Covered California at a lower cost.
Who’s Eligible for Medi-Cal?
To be eligible, your annual income must be 138 percent of the federal poverty level or less (in 2025 that would mean an individual who earned $21,597 or less). For a family of four, your annual income must be $44,367 or less.
You can also get Medi-Cal if you are:
- 65 or older
- Blind
- Disabled
- Under 21
- Pregnant
- In a skilled nursing or intermediate care home
- On refugee status for a limited time, depending how long you have been in the United States
- A parent or caretaker relative or a child under 21 if:
- The child’s parent is deceased or doesn’t live with the child, or
- The child’s parent is incapacitated, or
- The child’s parent is under employed or unemployed
- Have been screened for breast and/or cervical cancer (Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program)
What Are the Benefits of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal gives you benefits similar to those of Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you and your family. If you do not qualify for Medi-Cal, Freeway Insurance offers Covered California and our health professionals can help you find the right product for you at affordable prices.
Get Affordable Health Insurance Plans in California!
Find out if you qualify for free health insurance or you can get a free health insurance quote online to see your cost. Licensed and bilingual Freeway Insurance agents are available to help you find the best health insurance for you and your family. Give us a call at 800-777-5620, contact us online or stop by one of our offices.
FAQs About Medi-Cal
Can an Undocumented Person Get Medi-Cal?
Undocumented immigrants aged 25 and younger and over the age of 50 can get Medi-Cal benefits. Some undocumented immigrants aged 26 to 49 may be eligible for Medi-Cal in an emergency or during pregnancy. All children 0-18 can receive complete health care through Medi-Cal, regardless of their immigration status.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Medi-Cal?
You’ll need the following for everyone in your household:
- Official identification (driver’s license, passport, birth certificate)
- Social Security Number if you have one
- Proof of residency (utility bill, rent receipt)
- Tax filing information for anyone in the household who files taxes or is claimed as a dependent
How Long Does it Take to Find Out If I’m Approved for Medi-Cal?
Typically, you can expect it to take about 45 days to hear the status of your application. If you are denied, you can file an appeal. This information will be included in your letter. If you are approved, your letter will contain the next steps.