In the state of California, Medi-Cal is the local version of the Medicaid program, which provides free or low-cost health care to eligible low-income people. According to your criteria, the program benefits people over the age of 65 years, blind people and disabled people. It also covers children with disabilities, pregnant women and people who care for minors, as long as they all meet the income standards that the program has established.
What medical services does Medi-Cal cover?
In general, the Medi-Cal program Cal covers almost everything needed for medical care under the umbrella of Essential Health Benefits coverage. According to federal information —applicable to all local versions of Medicaid— this health insurance plan includes:
1. Hospital, outpatient and inpatient services
2. Services related to pregnancy
3. Immunizations for children
4. Medical services
5. Nursing facility services for persons of 21 years or more
6. Family planning services and supplies
7. Services in a rural health clinic
8. Home health services
9. Laboratory and X-ray services
10. Pediatric and family licensed nurse services
11.Nurse-midwife services
03. Services at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
12. Early diagnosis services, periodic evaluations and treatment for minors 21 years
14. Necessary transportation to and from medical providers
From the state point of view, as far as Medi-Cal is concerned, there are also some differences with respect to the rest of the states. In the state of California, beneficiaries can enroll in Medi-Cal Managed Care, an organized system that manages program benefits on a much more localized level; that is, in each county. In this way, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHCS) guarantees that each beneficiary receives the necessary care in an efficient manner.
Once enrolled in this system — which is usually practically mandatory, with some exceptions— in addition to the services mentioned above, each beneficiary can enjoy:
one. Substance (drug or alcohol) use disorder programs: from inpatient to outpatient services. Home therapies and treatments may also be included.
two. Dental program: which includes a large number of services associated with dental health.
3. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Services: for children under the age of 21 years as a preventive initiative to detect any health problem —if it exists— at an early stage, through studies and regular check-ups.
4. Transportation services: The Medi-Cal program can also cover everything related to the mobilization of the beneficiary, both in medical circumstances and in those that are not.
5. Specialty Health Services: Medi-Cal also covers beneficiaries who have particular emotional or mental health needs through their Mental Health Plan (MHP).
How to apply for Medi-Cal?
1. Click on the following link to go to the official website of the California Department of Health and Human Services (DHCS):
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/pages/applyformedi-cal.aspx
two. The link will take you directly to the section related to Medi-Cal and the different application forms. In this section, you will find the information to apply by mail or in person, but you will also find the direct link to apply online, which is the most convenient way.
3. By clicking on the online mode, the page redirects to the official Covered California website. In the “Healt” tab, go to Medical and choose the appropriate option: adult, child or pregnant woman.
4. When the page loads, click apply to receive the instructions and start the process online.
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