Medi-Cal for You.

Medi-Cal eligibility is expanding to California residents age 26-49, regardless of immigration status. You may qualify if you meet certain income requirements. Additionally, those who are already enrolled in Medi-Cal may need to renew their coverage.

Full scope Medi-Cal is different from the restricted Medi-Cal you have now. Restricted Medi-Cal only covers emergency services. It does not cover things like medical or dental care. 

• A review of Medi-Cal member’s information every 12 months.
• Determines continued eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services do NOT consider health, food, and housing services as part of the public charge determination. Therefore, using Medi-Cal benefits (except for nursing home or mental health institution care) will NOT hurt your immigration status. When you apply for state-funded benefits, your information is only used to see if you can get Medi-Cal. State laws protect the privacy of your information.

To learn about public charge go to the California Health and Human Services Agency Public Charge Guide at chhs.ca.gov/public-charge-guide.

When Applying for Medi-Cal:

1. Call our Medi-Cal Assistance Hotline at (323) 300-3400 for help and more information on the application process.

2. Call us when you receive your Medi-Cal Choice Packet in the mail for assistance with verifying your provider.

When Renewing Medi-Cal Coverage:

1. Update your contact information with the Medi-Cal office. Make sure they have your correct address, phone number, and email.

2. Look for the yellow envelope in the mail with your renewal packet.

3. Complete your Medi-Cal renewal form and submit it right away.

4. Call the Medi-Cal Assistance Hotline at (323) 300-3400 for help.

The following documents will be required during the application process:

• Proof of identity (e.g. driver's license, birth certificate, social security card)

• Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)

• Proof of residency/proof of address (e.g., utility bills, rental agreement)

• Proof of pregnancy (e.g., if pregnant)

• Other relevant documents (e.g., medical records for those with disabilities)

• Annual renewal month is typically 12 months after approval date.
• So for example, if you received coverage in June of 2022, you will need to renew by the end of June 2023.
• A renewal packet will be sent 60 days before it is due.
• Those whose renewal is due at the end of June 2023 will be receiving their packets throughout April 2023. If your renewal is due in July, you will receive your packet in May.

• 60 days to provide requested information to your local department of Social Services (DPSS for LA County and OCSSA for Orange County).
• Benefits are discontinued if no application was received by the renewal date stated in your renewal packet.

• We strongly suggest you update your contact information online at Benefitscal.com.
• You can also update by:
  - Mail: Return the application in the envelop received.
  - Call your local county office – Los Angeles County (866) 613-3777. In Orange County (800) 281-9799
  - In-Person: Visit your local Medi-Cal office

• It may take 24–48 hours for your renewal to show up on your dashboard after having linked your Medi-Cal case to your BenefitsCal account.
• If you have not received any correspondence in the mail about your Medi-Cal benefits, update your contact information.

You can do the following:

• Create Online account (Fastest and easiest way) at benefitscal.com and complete online form.
• By mail: Return your completed packet with all necessary documentation.
• In-Person: Visit your local Medi-Cal office or through an appointment with an AltaMed Patient Care Coordinator at clinic.
• Call your local county office: Los Angeles County (866) 613-3777 & in Orange County (800) 281-9799

• Changes can be reported in the Medi-Cal Renewal Form. You will have the opportunity to report if you had a change in income, pregnancy, new household member, and other areas that are considered for continued eligibility.
• Changes can also be reported to the local county office – Los Angeles County at (866) 613-3777 and Orange County at (800) 281-9799.

• Your local county will send you a letter to let you know if you still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage.
• If additional information is needed to renew your coverage, the county will send you a letter requesting any missing information.
• It is important that you stay up to date with notifications from the county (either by mail or online) to provide any requested information until receiving confirmation of your coverage status.

• AltaMed teams are ready to assist, you can make an appointment with a Patient Care Coordinator to renew your Medi-Cal.
• Bilingual staff and agencies across Los Angeles and Orange Counties can also provide Medi-Cal renewal assistance. View a list of available agencies.

• AltaMed has also scheduled workshops to assist you in filling out your Medi-Cal renewal packet. For more information, visit bit.ly/renewwithAltaMedWorkshop to sign up for a workshop.
• You can also visit the KeepMediCalCoverage.com website for more information and sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals.