What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is a state and federally funded health coverage program that includes coverage for infants less than one year of age with family incomes up to 200% of the federal income guidelines, children between the ages of one and six with family incomes up to 133%, and children between 6 and 19 with family incomes below 100%. For example, a child between the ages of 1 and 6, in a family of four, with net family income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level ($27,467 would be eligible for no cost Medi-Cal).

This program is available to children up to age 19 who are California residents. There are no limitations to the amount of property/assets that the family can have for childrens' coverage. Children who are either U.S. citizens, nationals or eligible qualified immigrants can receive no-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance.

In Santa Clara County, Managed Care Medi-Cal members can choose either Santa Clara Family Health Plan or Blue Cross as their health plan. Families will receive dental coverage through Denticare, and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP).

Benefits include:

• Complete medical coverage including preventive check ups
• Specialist care
• Acupuncture and chiropractic care (only offered in some plans)
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Mental health care
• Alcohol & drug treatment
• Vision care
• Dental care
• Prescription coverage
• A 24-hour nurse advice line
• Health education and many other services

Children who do not meet the citizenship/immigration criteria listed above can receive no-cost restricted benefits that cover emergency and pregnancy-related services only. Other Medi-Cal programs may be available for families with incomes less than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, but property and assets are considered.

If you are already receiving Medi-Cal, you can contact the new MediCal Service Center (MCSC) for information and services in Santa Clara County. The new MCSC toll free number is 1-800-753-0024. You can call between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday to speak with a representative. General recorded information and resources can be accessed 24 hours every day.

For additional information on Medi-Cal, please visit the Department of Health Services website at www.dhs.ca.gov.

To obtain more information about enrolling your child(ren), please call
1-888-244-5222.