Frequently Asked Questions
Coverage Ambassadors
About the Coverage Ambassador Program
Is the DHCS Coverage Ambassador role a paid position?
No. The Coverage Ambassador role is a volunteer position and is not paid.
As a Coverage Ambassador, will I need to conduct presentations?
No. You may share information from our resources or webinar page in any way you like.
Can we obtain a list of other Coverage Ambassadors to connect with them?
No. DHCS does not share Coverage Ambassadors’ personal information.
Who can I contact with questions or comments related to the Coverage Ambassador Program?
Please email Ambassadors@dhcs.ca.gov with any questions or comments.
Does everyone from an organization need to sign up as a DHCS Coverage Ambassador, or just one person?
Organizations may choose to have one point of contact or multiple individuals participate. DHCS supports partners in engaging at whatever level fits their capacity.
Webinars and Training Resources
How often does DHCS host Coverage Ambassador webinars?
Webinars are held every other month and last for one hour.
Are the webinars recorded?
Yes. However, recordings are primarily used for note taking and follow up on action items. Depending on the content, some recordings may be made available. Past webinar materials can be found on the Coverage Ambassador website under Webinars.
What resources can I share regarding Medi-Cal enrollment?
The Coverage Ambassador Resources webpage offers updated flyers and other materials to help individuals enroll or re enroll in Medi-Cal.
Can I request printed materials?
DHCS does not provide printed materials. If you need help locating resources to download and print, please email Ambassadors@dhcs.ca.gov.
Where can we find information for Medi-Cal members and potential applicants?
Visit my.medi-cal.ca.gov to learn about benefits, eligibility, applications, and how to maintain coverage.
You can also visit the Medi-Cal Member Help Center, which provides guides, FAQs, county office information, helpline details, and more. A translation button allows access to 19 threshold languages.
Where can we get information about upcoming Medi-Cal changes?
Visit the What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know page for updates, including changes to asset limits and the enrollment freeze for certain undocumented adults. Additional FAQs about asset limits are available on the Medi-Cal Member Help page.
Renewal Notices and Communications
Will renewal packets be sent to all Medi-Cal members?
All Medi-Cal members will receive a notification about their annual renewal. However, not every member will receive a renewal packet. Some renewals may be completed automatically by the county using existing data. Additionally, the renewal form is prepopulated to simplify the process. Members may complete the renewal by mail, phone, online, email, and in person.
What languages are materials available in?
Materials are available in:
English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Mien, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Will information be available in alternative formats such as large print or braille?
Yes. DHCS provides materials in large print. If braille materials are needed, please contact DHCS to submit a request.
Do reposted messages from DHCS, counties, or other organizations need pre-approval for Medi-Cal managed care plans?
Managed care plans must follow their existing processes and guidelines for approving outreach materials. Plans should contact their DHCS Contract Manager with any questions.
Reporting Changes and Managing Information
What is the difference between BenefitsCal and MyBenefits CalWIN?
Counties use different systems to manage Medi-Cal eligibility.
- CalSAWS counties use BenefitsCal
- CalWIN counties use MyBenefits CalWIN
A list of counties and their portals is available on the DHCS Keep Your Medi-Cal page.
Can updated contact information be provided online?
Yes. Members in CalSAWS counties can update information using BenefitsCal, and beneficiaries in CalWIN counties can use MyBenefits CalWIN. Coverage Ambassadors can find the county portal information on the DHCS Keep Your Medi-Cal webpage.
Can ambassadors be given access to update addresses directly in the DHCS system?
County eligibility offices manage members cases, including contact information. Address changes should be reported directly to the county by phone, mail, in person, electronically, or online.
If members update their information online, do they still need to contact the county?
No. Once the update is submitted online, they do not need to separately contact the county.
Are all counties required to offer an email option for reporting changes?
No. Only counties with a secure email system may offer this option, and not all counties currently do.
Can a community-based organization report an address change for a member?
Only the member or their authorized representative may report an address change. If a community-based organization is not listed as an authorized representative, the member must report the change directly to the county.
Medi-Cal Enrollment, Eligibility, and Plan Management
How can someone apply for Medi-Cal, IHSS, CalFresh, or other public assistance programs?
Individuals can apply for Medi-Cal in person, by phone, or by mail at their local county office, or online through CoveredCA.com or BenefitsCal. Through BenefitsCal, they can apply for CalFresh and other public assistance programs. IHSS requires a separate application through the county social services office.
How long does it take to be determined eligible for Medi-Cal? What is the fastest way to get coverage?
Under federal and state law, DHCS and counties have 45 days to make an eligibility determination (90 calendar days for disability-based applications). However, individuals may receive temporary expedited Medi-Cal if they apply at CoveredCA.com and meet certain criteria. This includes access to a temporary, printable Benefits Identification Card (BIC) while the county reviews the application.
How many times can a person change their Medi-Cal provider?
There is no limit to how many times a member may change their provider. However, changes may take time to process, and timelines vary by plan. Most changes take effect within 30 days.