WHAT IS MEDI-CAL?
Medi-Cal is a combined federal/sate program that pays for health and long term care for eligible low income citizens and some legal residents of the United States.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- SSI recipients are automatically covered by Medi-Cal without a share-of-cost.
- Disabled widows and widowers who received SSI prior to age 60 even if they lose their SSI when they receive Social Security retired spouse's benefits.
- Residents of nursing homes whose income and reources do not exceed Medi-Cal's limits.
- Legal immigrants under specific circumstances (e.g. refugees; asylees; those with 40 quarters of earnings; and other "qualified immigrants").
- Pregnant women who meet the financial eligibility guidelines.
- Any other aged, blind, or disabled person with excess income may still be eligible for Medi-Cal with a share-of-cost.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR MEDI-CAL?
You apply for Medi-Cal through your local county human services or welfare office. In Fresno County, you can also apply by telephone:
Medi-Cal New Applications
559-488-1888
WHAT DOES MEDI-CAL COVER?
Medi-Cal pays for health care services that meet its definition of medically necessary. Services covered include doctor visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations, nursing home care, adult day health care, some denatal care, some abulance services, eyeglasses, some medical equipment and devices, and hospice care.
WHAT DO I PAY?
You may be required to pay a share-of cost if your income exceeds the statutory amount. This may be a small or large amount. You may also be required to pay a small co-payment even if you do not have a share-of-cost. This is usually $5.00 or less depending on the type of service you receive.
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM DENIED MEDI-CAL?
You have the right to appeal most Medi-Cal actions (decisions). Instructions for appeals are printed on the back of Medi-Cal notices. You may also get help with your appeal from a legal services agency or other community organization.
This Fact Sheet is not all-inclusive information on the Medi-Cal program. For more information regarding eligibility, income and resource guidelines, estate claims, and other questions, contact your County or Central California Legal Services:
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