Is Medi-Cal the Same as Medicaid in California?

Medi-Cal is the same as Medicaid in California. It is a Federal and state-supported form of insurance that pays for various medical services for California residents with limited income and resources.

Am I Eligible for Medi-Cal?

You might be eligible for Medi-Cal’s free or low-cost health insurance coverage based on your income, age or family size. You can use Benefits.gov‘s online Medi-Cal eligibility calculator to determine your eligibility.

Can I Get Kaiser With Medi-Cal?

While Medi-Cal is available throughout California, Kaiser Permanente is only available in some areas. You can determine whether Kaiser Medi-Cal is available in your region by visiting their website or calling their support hotline.

You can call Kaiser Medi-Cal’s customer support hotline toll-free at 1-800-557-4515. Or, call 1-800-545-7263 to speak with a Spanish-speaking customer service representative. Their customer support team can answer your questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

How to Enroll in Kaiser With Medi-Cal

Once you have confirmed you are eligible for Medi-Cal and determined that Kaiser Permanente is available in your area, you can begin enrollment. You can apply for Medi-Cal coverage by mail, in person at your local county services office or online through Health for California Insurance Center.

1. Gather Documents

You will need a few items to begin your application process, including:

• Identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license, passport or green card.
• Proof of residency, like a water or electric bill.
• Each family member’s social security number.
• Employment details, including your employment status and income data.
• Federal tax information, including your filing status and any claimed dependents.
• Other health insurance details if you have insurance elsewhere.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have all the listed application items — it’s better to apply with the information you have than not at all. For example, you might be able to secure coverage for your dependents before securing it for yourself if you apply with your current information.

2. Apply and Wait for Approval

Next, apply for Medi-Cal coverage online, in person or by mail and wait for approval. The Medi-Cal approval process could take up to 45 days. Once you are approved, you may select a managed care plan by Kaiser Permanente if it is available in your region and you meet one of the following two criteria:

• You have or had Kaiser Permanente coverage in the last six to 12 months.
• An immediate family member currently has Kaiser Permanente coverage.

3. Call Kaiser Permanente to Designate Coverage

After you have been approved for Medi-Cal coverage, you will receive your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) by mail. Call the Kaiser Medi-Cal customer service number to get your Medi-Cal coverage designated to Kaiser.

Apply for Kaiser Medi-Cal Online With Health for California

If you are ready to apply for Kaiser Medi-Cal or another health insurance program, get a quote through Health for California today. Our online application process is fast, easy and accurate, so you can apply for coverage from anywhere that is most convenient for you. You can also contact us anytime to ask questions about the application process. Start the Medi-Cal application process with Health for California today!