Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, is a public insurance health care program which provides health care services for low-income individuals and families who meet defined eligibility requirements.

Medi-Cal Rights & Responsibilities (audio only)

Medi-Cal Rights & Responsibilities (Spanish) (audio only)

What is the process?

How to Apply

You can apply for Medi-Cal by:

 

  • AVOID SCAMS: Medi-Cal will NEVER ask for money to enroll or renew coverage. To report scams, call 1-800-822-6222.

Verification of Information

Once a Medi-Cal Application is received the information verified, that information is then compared to the criteria of the many different Medi-Cal programs available.

Getting Notified

Once the application has been processed, a Notice of Action will be sent to you about whether the Medi-Cal application has been approved or denied.

Next Steps After Approval

If eligible, the Approval Notice of Action will have instructions on how to use Medi-Cal. You will also separately receive important documents/cards for your coverage:

  • A plastic Benefits Identification Card called a BIC
    • Keep this card even if your Medi-Cal discontinues
    • If a new BIC is needed, contact the worker listed on the Notice of Action
  • A welcome packet including an eligibility card from CenCal, San Luis Obispo County’s Managed Care company

Who is eligible?

Medi-Cal is available to low income families, children, pregnant women, childless adults and aged and disabled adults.

Is there a charge for this service?

While many Medi-Cal programs do not have a cost, others have premiums and share of cost amounts. These amounts vary depending on the program eligible to, the countable income and household size. These amounts can also be different for different individuals in the household.

When and where is this service offered?

Applications for programs can be done by phone, fax, online, and in person at any of the six Department of Social Service Offices or online at www.coveredca.com or BenefitsCal.  Offices are open 8-5 Monday – Friday excluding holidays

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday - Friday 8-5


1086 East Grand Avenue
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 474-2000

Monday - Friday 8-5


9630 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422

Tel: (805) 461-6000

Monday - Friday 8-5


600 Quintana Road
Morro Bay , CA 93442

Tel: (805) 772-6405

Fax: (805) 772-6409

Monday - Friday 8-5


681 West Tefft Street Suite 1
Nipomo, CA 93444

Tel: (805) 931-1800

Monday - Friday 8-5


406 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 237-3110

Monday - Friday 8-5


3433 South Higuera
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-1600

FAQs

No, only some programs required property limits/asset tests for Medi-Cal Programs. 

Yes, Medi-Cal allows three (3) months of potential retroactive eligibility, if there are medical expenses in those months, and eligibility to the program exists. An application for retroactive coverage must be submitted within one year of the month for which retroactive coverage is requested.

For children's Medi-Cal programs that have a premium, the premium is $13 per child up to three (3) children, a maximum of $39 per household. Households with more than 3 children in a premium program still only pay $39.

Medi-Cal can be used for allowable medical services with providers who accept it. Providers can include hospitals, physicians, pharmacies and durable medical equipment. The following may be covered:
 

  • 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 and habilitative services) and devices
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
  • Children’s services, including oral and vision care