Benefits Most Californians Don't Know They Have

California restored comprehensive dental coverage for adult Medi-Cal members in 2022. This includes preventive cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and dentures — at no or low cost.

Most Medi-Cal managed care plans cover routine eye exams and one pair of eyeglasses per year. Many people with Medi-Cal do not realize this benefit exists.

If you have Medi-Cal and need help with bathing, cooking, cleaning, or other daily tasks because of a disability, injury, or age, IHSS can pay someone — including a family member — to assist you at home.

Medi-Cal covers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) — free rides to and from medical appointments when you have no other way to get there. This includes doctor visits, dialysis, mental health appointments, and more.

If you are on Medicare and have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help (also called the Low Income Subsidy). This federal program can reduce your Medicare Part D drug costs to near zero — including premiums, deductibles, and copays.

California offers programs (QMB, SLMB, QDWI) that help pay your Medicare Part B premiums if your income is limited — saving you hundreds of dollars per year. Some programs also help with Medicare Part A premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Many California households on Medi-Cal also qualify for CalFresh, California's food assistance program. CalFresh provides monthly benefits on an EBT card that can be used at most grocery stores. Many eligible households do not apply because they assume they won't qualify.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program available to income-qualifying pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under age 5. It provides free food benefits, nutritional counseling, and breastfeeding support.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24/7 by call or text. In California, 988 connects callers to local crisis centers that can provide immediate support and referrals for ongoing mental health care.

Many Californians assume they earn too much to get help on Covered California. Federal Premium Tax Credits are available up to 400% of the federal poverty level — about $63,840 per year for a single person in 2026. Note: the enhanced federal subsidies that previously extended help above that income threshold expired at the end of 2025. California has a separate state subsidy program for lower incomes. Use the Covered California calculator to check your actual cost before assuming you can't afford coverage.