Last Updated: August 29, 2026
How to Apply for Medi-Cal in California: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Applying for Medi-Cal can feel confusing if you are doing it for the first time. The good news is that California gives you several ways to apply, and you can apply for Medi-Cal at any time during the year.
This step-by-step guide explains where to apply, what information you may need, what happens after you submit your application, and how long the process may take.
You can apply for Medi-Cal online, by phone, by mail, or in person through your local county office. Online applications are available through BenefitsCal and Covered California.
1. Can You Apply for Medi-Cal at Any Time?
Yes. You can apply for Medi-Cal at any time during the year.
Medi-Cal does not have the same annual Open Enrollment limitation that applies to many private health insurance plans.
If your income, household situation, pregnancy status, disability status, or other circumstances change during the year, you can submit a Medi-Cal application when you need coverage.
2. Choose How You Want to Apply
California offers several ways to apply for Medi-Cal.
- Online through BenefitsCal
- Online through Covered California
- By phone through your county Medi-Cal office
- By mail using a Medi-Cal application
- In person at your local county office
If you are also interested in programs such as CalFresh or other county benefits, BenefitsCal may be convenient because it can be used for several public assistance programs.
3. Option 1: Apply Online Through BenefitsCal
BenefitsCal is California's online benefits portal. You can use it to apply for Medi-Cal through your county office.
You can also use BenefitsCal to manage certain benefits and complete Medi-Cal renewals online.
Official website: BenefitsCal.com
When applying online, create or sign in to your account and follow the instructions to enter information about yourself and your household.
4. Option 2: Apply Through Covered California
You can also apply for health coverage through Covered California.
The application can determine whether you or members of your household may qualify for Medi-Cal. If someone does not qualify for Medi-Cal, the application may also determine whether that person can purchase a Covered California health plan and receive financial assistance.
Official website: CoveredCA.com
Covered California can also provide enrollment assistance if you need help completing your application.
5. Option 3: Apply Through Your County Medi-Cal Office
Your local county office manages most Medi-Cal eligibility cases.
You can contact your county office to:
- Apply for Medi-Cal
- Ask questions about your application
- Submit requested documents
- Report changes
- Check the status of your case
- Get help with Medi-Cal renewal
You can find your county office using the official DHCS county office search:
Find Your County Medi-Cal Office
6. What Information May You Need to Apply?
The information required depends on your household and eligibility situation. Your county may ask for information or documents to verify certain parts of your application.
Examples may include:
- Your name and date of birth
- Home and mailing address
- Information about people in your household
- Social Security Number, when applicable
- Immigration information, when applicable to the type of coverage being determined
- Employment and income information
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax information
- Self-employment income records
- Social Security, unemployment, disability, or other benefit income
- Information about other health insurance
DHCS advises applicants to contact their county Medi-Cal office if they do not have requested documents. In some situations, other forms of verification or self-attestation may be available.
7. What Income Information Should You Provide?
Income is an important part of Medi-Cal eligibility for many applicants.
If you are employed, you may be asked to provide information such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- Gross income before deductions
- Pay frequency
- Employer information
- Recent tax information when needed
If you are self-employed, you may be asked for records such as a Schedule C, profit-and-loss statement, or other documentation showing your business income.
If you receive Social Security, unemployment, disability, veterans benefits, or other income, you may also be asked to report those payments.
8. Do Assets Matter When Applying for Medi-Cal?
For many people who qualify through MAGI Medi-Cal, an asset test is not used.
However, beginning January 1, 2026, asset limits returned for certain Non-MAGI Medi-Cal eligibility categories.
These rules may affect some people who are age 65 or older, have a disability, need long-term care, or qualify under certain other Medi-Cal programs.
Do not assume that the asset limit applies to everyone applying for Medi-Cal. Whether assets are considered depends on the Medi-Cal eligibility category being evaluated.
9. Review Your Application Before Submitting It
Before submitting your Medi-Cal application, review the information carefully.
Check that:
- Names and dates of birth are correct.
- Household members are listed correctly.
- Income information is current.
- Your mailing address is correct.
- Your phone number and email address are current.
- You answered all applicable questions.
Correct contact information is especially important because the county may need to reach you for additional information.
10. What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
After your application is submitted, your county or Covered California will review the information to determine your eligibility.
The county may be able to verify some information electronically. If additional information is needed, you may receive a letter, phone call, online notice, or request for documents.
Respond promptly if your county asks for additional information. Missing a deadline or ignoring a request can delay your application or affect the eligibility decision.
11. How Long Does a Medi-Cal Application Take?
According to DHCS, it may take up to 45 days to process a Medi-Cal application.
If your Medi-Cal application is based on disability, the eligibility determination may take up to 90 days.
Processing time can depend on whether additional information or verification is needed.
When a decision is made, your county office or Covered California will send you an eligibility decision notice, commonly called a Notice of Action.
12. What Is a Notice of Action?
A Notice of Action is an official notice explaining the decision made about your Medi-Cal eligibility.
The notice may tell you that:
- Your Medi-Cal application was approved.
- Your application was denied.
- More information is needed.
- Your eligibility or benefits have changed.
Read the entire notice carefully and keep a copy for your records.
If you disagree with an eligibility decision, the notice should explain your appeal or State Fair Hearing rights.
13. What Happens If You Are Approved?
If you are approved for Medi-Cal, you will receive information about your eligibility and coverage.
Medi-Cal beneficiaries receive a Benefits Identification Card (BIC).
Depending on your county and eligibility, you may also need to choose or be enrolled in a Medi-Cal Managed Care health plan.
After health plan enrollment, you may choose or be assigned a Primary Care Provider (PCP).
14. What If You Need Medical Care While Your Application Is Pending?
Some applicants may qualify for special or temporary coverage programs depending on their circumstances.
For example, certain pregnant applicants, children, or other eligible individuals may be able to receive temporary Medi-Cal coverage through specific programs while a full eligibility determination is pending.
Because these programs have separate eligibility rules, ask your county, health care provider, or Covered California whether any temporary coverage option may apply to you.
15. What If You Are Denied Medi-Cal?
A denial does not always mean that you have no health coverage options.
First, read the Notice of Action carefully to understand why your application was denied.
Depending on the reason, you may be able to:
- Provide missing or corrected information.
- Contact your county to ask questions about the decision.
- Request a State Fair Hearing if you disagree with the decision.
- Be evaluated for Covered California health insurance and financial assistance.
16. Tips to Avoid Application Delays
Before and after you apply:
- ✓ Use your current mailing address.
- ✓ Report your household members accurately.
- ✓ Use current income information.
- ✓ Upload or provide requested documents promptly.
- ✓ Check your mail and online account regularly.
- ✓ Respond to county requests before the deadline.
- ✓ Keep copies of documents you submit.
- ✓ Keep your application or case number when available.
17. Key Takeaway
Applying for Medi-Cal does not have to be complicated.
You can apply at any time of the year through BenefitsCal, Covered California, or your local county Medi-Cal office. You may also apply by phone, mail, or in person.
Provide accurate household and income information, respond quickly if the county requests additional documents, and carefully read any Notice of Action you receive.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can still submit an application and allow the county to make an official eligibility determination.
Official Sources & Resources
- California DHCS – Apply for Medi-Cal
- California DHCS – Medi-Cal Help Center
- California DHCS – Find a County Medi-Cal Office
- BenefitsCal – California Benefits Portal
- Covered California
Disclaimer: California Benefits Guide is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Covered California, BenefitsCal, a county Medi-Cal office, or any other government agency.
Medi-Cal eligibility rules, income limits, asset rules, immigration-related eligibility, application procedures, and program requirements may change. This article provides general information only and is not an official eligibility determination or legal advice. Always verify your individual situation with DHCS, Covered California, BenefitsCal, or your local county Medi-Cal office.