Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program that provides free or low-cost health care to millions of Californians with low incomes. It is designed to provide access to essential health services that support public health and economic stability. Medicaid was established in 1965 as a state-federal partnership to offer coverage to people with low incomes, including children, pregnant women, seniors needing long-term care, and individuals with disabilities.
Over time, Medi-Cal has evolved to cover more people and more types of care over the years. A major milestone was the state’s full implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, which expanded eligibility to include low-income adults without dependent children.
Who is eligible for Medi-Cal?
Eligible Californians mainly qualify based on their income, as measured by Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). That includes adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and pregnant people with incomes up to 213% of the FPL. Children in families with incomes up to 266% FPL are also eligible through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
People are also eligible if they are: blind, disabled, age 65 and older, receiving Supplemental Security Income, in long-term care facilities, or are former foster youth until the age of 26.
What services does Medi-Cal cover?
Benefits include a wide range of services, including doctor’s appointments, emergency services, physical and occupational therapy, dentist appointments, laboratory services, prescription drugs, vision care, preventive and wellness services, and behavioral health services. Medi-Cal also offers transportation to and from appointments for services that are covered by Medi-Cal.
The program is overseen and administered by California’s Department of Health Care Services at the state level and is funded by the federal and state governments.
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