How to Apply for Medi-Cal in California

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify. You can apply throughout the year.

Four ways to apply

• Online through BenefitsCal.
• Online through Covered California.
• By mail using the application in an available language.
• By phone or in person through your county office.

DHCS says regular eligibility decisions may take up to 45 days, or up to 90 days for disability-based applications. Your county or Covered California sends the eligibility decision.

Languages

DHCS provides Medi-Cal applications in many languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese.