Medi-Cal
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is a no-cost or low-cost public health insurance program that provides needed health care services for low-income individuals and families in California. Learn more about who qualifies for Medi-Cal and how to apply below.
Be aware that while most Medi-Cal benefits will remain the same in 2026-27, changes are coming starting in January 2026 that may impact older adults, those with disabilities, and certain adult immigrants. Learn more here.
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Who Can Qualify for Medi-Cal?
Individuals and families who meet particular eligibility requirements, such as California residency, income and property (in certain circumstances), are potentially eligible for no-cost or low-cost Medi-Cal benefits. Applicants who meet income and other eligibility requirements can receive Medi-Cal regardless of age, gender, disability, or household composition. If you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you may qualify for full Medi-Cal benefits regardless of age.
The following non-citizens may also qualify for full Medi-Cal benefits regardless of immigration status:
• Victims of Human Trafficking, Domestic Abuse or other Serious Crimes
• Refugees
• Asylees
• Certain Humanitarian Parolees admitted under the United for Ukraine (U4U) program
• Cuban/Haitian Entrants
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders from Afghanistan and Afghanistan nationals admitted under the Operation Allies Refuge program
• Amerasians, and
• Battered non-citizens (also known as the Violence Against Women’s Act [VAWA])
Please visit the USCIS website for full descriptions on each of the categories above or the DHCS website for more information.
Easy Application
- Online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- Call DPSS at 1-877-410-8827.
- Apply in person at one of these DPSS office locations
Note: If you are determined eligible for Medi-Cal, you may be able to receive healthcare services through a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan. In Riverside County, the managed care plans are Kaiser Permanente, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina.