Medi-Cal

The Medi-Cal program is California’s Medicaid program which provides free or low-cost health coverage to children and adults. The state of California removed the immigration requirement, which means that all Californians regardless of immigration status may be eligible for full Medi-Cal benefits, as long as other requirements are met.

You may be eligible if:

• You are a California Resident
• You meet the income requirements listed below. Please note that there are different income eligibilities for adults, children and pregnant individuals.

Income Requirements for Medi-Cal – 2025

Documents that may be needed for a medi-Cal Application

• Proof of Identity (ID/DL, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card)
• Proof of Kern Residency (Utility Bill, ID/DL with current address)
• Proof of Immigration Status (if you have a satisfactory immigration status)
  • This will ensure that you are connected to other programs if not eligible for the Medi-Cal program
• Proof of Income (Paystubs, Letter of Affidavit, Taxes, etc)
  • Income is needed for all working individuals and adults 18+. Most recent month is needed.

ONCE AN APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED, IT MAY TAKE UP TO 45 BUSINESS DAYS TO FIND OUT IF YOU WERE APPROVED.

when can I apply for medi-CAl?

The Medi-Cal program is open year round, which means that you can apply at anytime. 

do i need to renew my medi-cal every year?

The Medi-Cal program needs to be renewed every year. The Medi-Cal program will try to renew you automatically with the information they have, or they will ask you to submit a Medi-Cal renewal packet. Either way, you will receive something in the mail. If your Medi-Cal was renewed, you will receive a Notice of Action (NOA) stating that you are covered for one more year. If you receive a yellow envelope, it will be a renewal packet that you need to submit by the deadline and attach income documentation, as well as any other changes you had during the year.

what are the benefits I RECEIVE WITH MEDI-CAL?

The Medi-Cal program covers Physical Health, Dental Health, Vision Health and Mental Health, additional benefits may be offered by your health plan. However, the health plans are mandated under the Affordable Care Act to cover at least the 10 Essential Health Benefits (listed below):

• Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
• Emergency services
• Hospitalization (such as surgery)
• Maternity and newborn care (care before and after your baby is born)
• Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (this includes counseling and psychotherapy)
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices (services and devices to help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills)
• Laboratory services
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
• Pediatric services