Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes. You can apply for Medi-Cal benefits regardless of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status. If you are found (or determined) eligible, you can continue to get Medi-Cal as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Medi-Cal provides funding for services in a number of long-term care settings, including nursing facilities, homes for the developmentally disabled and in-home supportive services. Medi-Cal does not provide funding for assisted living facilities.
In California, approximately 59 percent of nursing facility residents rely on Medi-Cal to pay for their care. Another 22 percent rely on Medi-Cal or Medi-Care managed health plans. Nearly 100 percent of clients residing in homes for the developmentally disabled rely on Medi-Cal. Facilities that wish to accept residents who receive Medi-Cal funding must be licensed and certified by the California Department of Public Health.
Your local County Welfare/Social Services Department manages Medi-Cal eligibility determinations. To apply for services, call or visit your local County Social Services Office. For a list of offices, visit the Department of Health Care Services
For answers to frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal, visit this page.
