Full Scope Medi-Cal provides health care services to low-income individuals, including:
- Children (under 18)
- Children in foster care and former foster youth up to age 26
- Pregnant women
- Blind or Disabled people
- People 65 and over
- People who get CalWORKs (AFDC) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get Medi-Cal automatically
| Questions | Full Scope Medi-Cal |
| Who is eligible? | This is California’s Medicaid program. It provides health care services to low-income individuals, including:
Minors under 19 (or 21 if full-time student) may apply through Medi-Cal Minor Consent |
| What services are covered? | Full-scope Medi-Cal covers:
o Medical office visits, hospitalizations, and prescription medicines o Mental health, substance abuse services, and needed medical tests o Family planning and contraception o Pregnancy-related healthcare, including pregnancy testing, prenatal care and delivery, post-partum care, and abortion Individuals on Medi-Cal get the same general health benefits available through Covered Ca. |
| Does it cover baby? | Yes. If you are receiving Medi-Cal when your baby was born your baby is automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal. The County will complete a Medi-Cal redetermination at the baby’s first birthday. |
| What does it cost? | Typically, there are no monthly premiums, deductibles, or copayments.Some families may make too much money to qualify for free Medi-Cal and may have to pay a low monthly premium. Others may be required to pay a “Share of Cost” for medical services. “Share of Cost” is an amount that you agree to pay before Medi-Cal starts to pay. |
| Where can families apply? | You can apply:
Once enrolled in Medi-Cal you will need to renew your coverage annually. |
| What documents are needed to apply? | The person applying will be asked to provide:
Common types of documents that you can use to verify this information are:
Children are included in their parents’ household until their 19th, or 21st birthday if they are full-time students. But if you are 18 or older, you can apply independently. |
| Does immigration status matter? | Yes, if you are 18+. No, if you are under 18. Undocumented California residents under 18 are eligible for full scope Medi-Cal. Undocumented adults are not eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. BUT, if you are DACA-eligible and are 21 years or age or younger, you may also be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. Also, you must be a California resident. |