Find Help by Your Situation

Medi-Cal for Pregnant Women

Covers pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care for 60 days after birth. Income limit is about 213% of the federal poverty level — much higher than regular Medi-Cal for adults. Covers people regardless of immigration status.

WIC

Free nutrition benefits, food support, and breastfeeding help for pregnant and postpartum people, and children under 5. Apply through your county WIC office or call 1-888-942-9675.

Family PACT

Free birth control and family planning services for income-qualifying Californians regardless of coverage status.

Newborn coverage

Babies born to parents with Medi-Cal can be automatically enrolled for their first year. Report the birth to your plan quickly — do not wait.

Covered California Special Enrollment Period

Job loss is a qualifying life event that gives you 60 days to enroll in a Covered California marketplace plan. Financial help (premium tax credits) may be available.

Medi-Cal

If your income dropped significantly after job loss, you may now qualify for free or low-cost Medi-Cal. You can apply at any time at BenefitsCal.com.

COBRA

COBRA lets you continue your employer's plan for up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium — usually much more expensive than Medi-Cal or Covered California. You have 60 days to decide.

Medi-Cal

Many people with disabilities qualify at higher income levels or through specific disability-related Medi-Cal pathways. Coverage includes medical care, behavioral health, and pharmacy.

IHSS — In-Home Supportive Services

If you have Medi-Cal and need help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, bathing, or medication management, IHSS can fund a paid caregiver — including a family member — to assist you at home.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income provides monthly payments to people with very low income and a disability. SSI often brings Medi-Cal automatically in California.

Regional Center Services

For people with developmental disabilities, California's regional center system offers services, supports, and care coordination through local offices.

Full-Scope Medi-Cal for Adults

California expanded full-scope Medi-Cal to all income-eligible adults regardless of immigration status in 2024. Important update: starting October 1, 2026, federal law is restricting federal funding for some undocumented adults. California has committed to continuing state-funded coverage for current enrollees, but scope may be more limited for some. If you are already enrolled, keeping your coverage active and renewing on time is critical.

Medi-Cal for Children

Children under 19 qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status as long as they meet the income rules.

Emergency Medi-Cal

Available to all California residents regardless of immigration status. Covers emergency care, pregnancy, dialysis, and certain other urgent services.

Public charge note

Applying for Medi-Cal does NOT trigger a "public charge" concern for most people. Emergency Medi-Cal and pregnancy Medi-Cal are specifically excluded from public charge rules.

VA Health Care

Eligible veterans can receive primary care, mental health, and specialty care through the VA. Not all veterans are automatically enrolled — you must apply at VA.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

Medi-Cal

Veterans and their families can use Medi-Cal if they qualify based on income, even if they also use VA services. VA care and Medi-Cal can work together.

Covered California

Available for veterans and families who do not qualify for VA care or who need additional marketplace coverage options.

CalVet

California's Department of Veterans Affairs can help veterans navigate benefits, applications, and resources. Call 1-844-SERV-CAL.

Medi-Cal

You do not need a permanent home address to apply for Medi-Cal. You can use a shelter address, a social services office address, or a P.O. box. Visit any county social services office for help enrolling.

CalAIM Enhanced Care Management

A newer Medi-Cal program designed to help people with complex needs — including housing instability — by connecting them with a care manager who coordinates medical, behavioral health, and social services.

2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local shelters, food programs, health services, and other community support in most California counties.

Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS)

Medi-Cal covers a full continuum of substance use disorder treatment, including withdrawal management, residential treatment, intensive outpatient, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and recovery support.

Medi-Cal

If you are not already enrolled, Medi-Cal is the first step. Once enrolled, you can access behavioral health and SUD services through your county.

988 Crisis Line

Free, confidential support available 24/7 by call or text. Can help connect you to local treatment resources.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Free, confidential, 24/7 support: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788. Can help with safety planning and local referrals.

Safe at Home

California's address confidentiality program allows survivors to use a substitute address so abusers cannot track their location through public records.

Medi-Cal

Health coverage is available and you do not need to document your situation. You can use a shelter address or a P.O. box when applying.

CalWORKs

Cash assistance and employment support for qualifying California families, with specific protections for domestic violence survivors.

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Federal health program for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native people. Not all services are available at every IHS facility.

Tribal Health Programs

Many California tribes operate their own health clinics offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, and other services for tribal members.

Medi-Cal

Tribal members may qualify for Medi-Cal, and IHS costs can sometimes be applied toward Medi-Cal thresholds. Medi-Cal and IHS can often be used together.

Covered California

Tribal members have special enrollment rights in Covered California — you can enroll any time of year, not just during open enrollment.