California Medi-Cal Q&A

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is free health insurance. Medi-Cal benefits include shots, doctor checkups, school physicals, dental exams, prescription drugs and hospital care.


Will my child's application be shared with anyone else?

NO. If you sign the Medi-Cal Benefits section on your child's School Meals application, we will only share the application with Medi-Cal staff.


Do I have to apply for Medi-Cal for my child to still get School Meals?

NO. You do not need to sign the Medi-Cal section on your child's School Meals application. If eligible, your child will still get School Meals.


Is this the best way to apply for Medi-Cal?

Not always. If your child has a medical emergency or is pregnant, it may be faster to apply at a Medi-Cal office. For a Medi-Cal application or the closest Medi-Cal office, contact any of the agencies listed to the right of this content.


Q. Will getting Medi-Cal or School Meals affect my family's immigration status by making my child or me a "public charge."

NO. Getting Medi-Cal or School Meals for your child will not affect your family's immigration status by making you or your child a "public charge". Using these services cannot stop you from becoming a citizen.


Which immigrants can get Medi-Cal?

Your child must be a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant to get full Medi-Cal benefits after the temporary period. Medi-Cal will ask for your child's social security number. If your child is not a U.S. citizen or lawful immigrant, he or she can get emergency and pregnancy-related Medi-Cal. You do not have to provide social security numbers or immigration information for other family members.


What if our family income is too high to get Medi-Cal?

If your child is not eligible for Medi-Cal, you will receive a Healthy Families application. Healthy Families is a low-cost health insurance program. Your child may also be eligible for other health programs. For help, click on any or the ads to the right of this content.

For More Information:

www.childrenspartnership.org/expresslane/ExpressEnroll-MCalInsert.doc