Help
Help and How to Apply
How to apply for California health coverage, where to get free one-on-one help, answers to common questions, and your rights as a patient.
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How to Apply
Applying step by step
In California there is no "wrong door" — you can start your application through any of the paths below and the system will help sort out which programs you qualify for.
Medi-Cal
Free or low-cost coverage for income-qualifying Californians
Steps:
- Apply online at BenefitsCal.com — the fastest way to start.
- You can also apply through Covered California and the system will automatically check your Medi-Cal eligibility.
- Or visit your county DPSS (Department of Public Social Services) office in person.
- For most adults ages 19–64, you may qualify if your income is below roughly 138% of the federal poverty level (about $22,025 per year for one person in 2026).
- Processing usually takes up to 45 days, but many applicants are approved faster. You do not have to wait to see a doctor — ask your provider about presumptive eligibility.
BenefitsCal: benefitscal.com or 1-877-847-3663
Good to know: You can start an application without having all your documents. Gather what you have and submit the rest later.
Covered California
Marketplace insurance plans, often with significant financial help
Steps:
- Open enrollment runs November 1 through January 31 each year.
- If you lose coverage or have a qualifying life event — job loss, a move, a new baby, marriage — you have 60 days to enroll outside open enrollment.
- Apply at CoveredCA.com or call 1-800-300-1506.
- Free certified enrollment assisters are available across California to help you compare plans at no cost — find one at CoveredCA.com.
- Many Californians who earn too much for Medi-Cal still qualify for significant monthly premium savings through premium tax credits.
Covered California: coveredca.com or 1-800-300-1506
Good to know: Use the Shop and Compare tool on CoveredCA.com to estimate your monthly costs before you formally enroll.
Medicare
Federal health coverage for people 65 and older, and some younger people with disabilities
Steps:
- Apply through the Social Security Administration at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- Your Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after.
- If you have employer coverage, check whether you should delay Medicare Part B — enrolling while you still have employer coverage may let you avoid a late enrollment penalty later.
- For prescription drug coverage, enroll in a Medicare Part D plan at the same time you enroll in Medicare.
- HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling for California residents at any stage.
HICAP (free Medicare counseling): 1-800-434-0222
Good to know: Missing your Initial Enrollment Period without qualifying coverage can result in permanent late penalties that last the rest of your life.
Free Help
Get free help from real people
You do not have to figure this out alone. These are trusted, free resources available to California residents.
HICAP — Free Medicare Counseling
One-on-one help comparing Medicare plans, understanding your options, and navigating appeals. Unbiased and available statewide.
1-800-434-0222
BenefitsCal
California's online portal to apply for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and other public benefit programs.
benefitscal.com or 1-877-847-3663
Covered California
Enroll in marketplace health insurance plans. Find certified enrollment helpers near you.
coveredca.com or 1-800-300-1506
Medi-Cal Member Help Center
Questions about your current Medi-Cal coverage, plan, or benefits.
1-800-541-5555
2-1-1 — Local Referrals
Local health and social service referrals in most California counties. Available in multiple languages.
Dial 2-1-1
988 — Mental Health and Crisis Line
Free, confidential mental health support and crisis help, available 24/7 by call or text. California connects to local crisis centers.
Call or text 988
Common Questions
Questions we hear all the time
What if I earn too much for Medi-Cal but can't afford private insurance?+
Covered California may still help you through premium tax credits. Federal subsidies are available for income up to 400% of the federal poverty level — about $63,840 per year for a single person in 2026. Note: the enhanced subsidies from 2021–2025 (IRA/ARPA) expired at the end of 2025, so 2026 premiums are higher on average. Use CoveredCA.com's Shop and Compare tool to see your actual estimated cost.
What if I applied but got denied?+
You have the right to appeal. For Medi-Cal, you can request a State Fair Hearing within 90 days of your denial notice. For Covered California, you can appeal directly with them. Eligibility errors happen. Many people qualify after an appeal, so do not give up after one denial.
What documents do I need to apply for Medi-Cal?+
Generally you will need proof of California residency, Social Security numbers for U.S. citizens in your household, and income information. You can start an application at BenefitsCal.com without having all your documents — you can upload or submit them after you start.
Do I need to renew my Medi-Cal coverage every year?+
Yes, every 12 months. You will receive a renewal notice by mail. Keep your address current with your county so you do not miss it. If you do not respond to the renewal notice, your coverage may end even if you still qualify.
Can I have both Medi-Cal and Medicare at the same time?+
Yes. This is called being "dual eligible." Medicare pays first, and Medi-Cal can help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and some services Medicare does not cover. If you qualify for both, apply for both — they work well together.
Will applying for Medi-Cal affect my immigration case?+
Emergency Medi-Cal is available to everyone regardless of immigration status. Important 2026 update: as of January 1, 2026, new undocumented adults (19+) can no longer enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal — only Emergency Medi-Cal and pregnancy coverage remain available for new adult applicants in this group. Children under 19, pregnant people, and former foster youth under 26 are still fully covered regardless of status. If you are already enrolled in Medi-Cal, you can keep your coverage as long as you renew on time. A legal aid organization can give you guidance specific to your situation.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal?+
For most adults ages 19–64, the limit is about 138% of the federal poverty level — roughly $22,025 per year for a single person in 2026. For a family of 4, the limit is approximately $55,500. Children and pregnant people qualify at much higher income levels. These amounts are updated each year when HHS publishes new federal poverty guidelines.
Your Rights
Know your rights as a patient
California gives health plan members strong legal protections. Here are your key rights.
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The right to receive care without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.
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The right to receive a clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options in a language you understand.
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The right to appeal or file a grievance when your health plan denies a service or claim.
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The right to request and receive copies of your medical records.
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The right to choose your own primary care doctor within your health plan's network.
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The right to emergency care at any time, regardless of your health plan or prior authorization.
Reminder: MediGuide.health is a free, non-commercial informational guide. We are not a government agency and cannot process applications or appeals. For official help, use the resources listed above.