Sign out
How to Qualify and Apply for Medi-Cal
The steps below will help you understand how to apply for Medi-Cal and get care through Kaiser Permanente for yourself or your child.
3. How to Complete your Medi-Cal application.
In Person
Apply at your Local County Services Office where you can get personal help completing your application.
By Mail
Obtain a Medi-Cal application, available in English and other languages, through CoveredCA.com/medi-cal. Send completed and signed application to the address provided.
By Phone
To apply over the phone, call your Local County Services Office.
Online
Apply online at BenefitsCal.org
In addition to completing your Medi-Cal application, you may be asked to provide additional documents such as:
- Identification
- Proof of residency (you must live in the state in which you apply)
- Household income
4. Receive approval for Medi-Cal.
Your Medi-Cal application will be reviewed by the county to determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal.
This could take up to 45 days. To check on the status of your application, contact your Local County Services Office.
Once your paperwork has been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive a packet in the mail with your Medi-Cal ID card called a Benefit Identification Card (BIC) from the county. Once you receive your BIC you can start using your Medi-Cal benefits.
You must choose a health care plan and/or provider within 30 days of receiving your packet. If you do not choose a plan and/or provider within 30 days, one will be assigned to you. The health care plans and/or providers available to you depend on what county you live in.
2. Receive a new-member packet from Kaiser Permanente once you’re enrolled.
If you qualify to have Kaiser Permanente as your health care plan and/or provider, it can take an additional 30 days to become enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal.
Please continue to bring your Medi-Cal BIC to your appointments even after you receive your Kaiser Permanente ID card.
We’re here to help
Whether you’re a new member or new to the website, we can help you find the resources and answers
Find who you need to call or where you need to go for more information
Choose from a variety of questions and answers
Learn more about additional programs in your state
Call the Kaiser Permanente Medicaid Assistance Center at
1-800-557-4515 (toll free) or 711 (TTY),
11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Español: 1-800-545-7263