Information For New Medi-Cal Applicants
Due to the large number of Medi-Cal applications received through the Covered California website, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is giving temporary Medi-Cal eligibility to many individuals and families. This gives you Medi-Cal coverage starting on January 1, 2014, while county human services offices work to finish your application and review your state residency, citizenship, immigration status, and income.
Since you have already received your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC), your coverage began on January 1, 2014. While you have this temporary Medi-Cal eligibility, you can get health care services from an enrolled Medi-Cal provider. Those who accept Medi-Cal fee-for-service (FFS) will be able to help you. Make sure you ask if they accept FFS before you make your appointment. If they don’t, you should contact another provider.
In the event you have a medical emergency before you find a doctor, contact 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. Medi-Cal does cover emergency services for enrolled beneficiaries and if you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you get.
Here are some ways you can get the care you need while your Medi-Cal application is being finalized:
Community Health Centers & Clinics (Not DHCS)
Another way you can get care is to go to a clinic called a Federally Qualified Health Center. Here is a link to find one of these health centers in your area: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
County Human Services Offices
Your county human services agency may be able to help you find a doctor or a list of doctors in your area. You can find out how to reach the county offices by clicking this link: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/CountyOffices.aspx
Dental Providers
To find a dental provider, go to the Denti-Cal website at www.denti-cal.ca.gov and click the “Find a Dentist” link, or call 1-800-322-6384.
Emergency Rooms
As stated above, if you have an emergency and you cannot find a doctor right away, you can go to the emergency room at any hospital. If you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you get.
Find a Doctor on a Managed Care Health Plan
When your Medi-Cal application is finalized, you will be able to join a managed care health plan. Until then, you can find a doctor on the websites of those Medi-Cal managed care health plans. Click the name of your county to find the plans that serve your area. When you find a doctor, call and make sure that they accept Medi-Cal FFS. If they do not, you should contact another doctor on the list found here: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/MMCDHealthPlanDir.aspx
Health Care Options
This DHCS program has information to help you make choices about Medi-Cal benefits and how you can get them. Visit the website for help finding a doctor or dentist, and for more information about Medi-Cal managed care health and dental plans. http://www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov/HCOCSP/Home/
Pharmacy Benefits
If you need a prescription filled you can contact your local pharmacies to see if they accept Medi-Cal. For frequently asked questions on Medi-Cal pharmacy benefits please visit this link: http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/PharmacyBenefitsFrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx
Public Hospitals (Not DHCS)
Some counties have a public hospital system that lets you get care at a hospital. You can find out which counties and which hospitals are in this program at this site:http://safetynetinstitute.org/californias-public-hospitals-and-clinics/
Yellow Pages (Not DHCS)
The Yellow Pages contain lists of local health care providers. Only providers who are enrolled as Medi-Cal health care providers will be paid by Medi-Cal for treating you. Ask the provider if they accept Medi-Cal FFS before you make your appointment.