Medi-Cal Notice of Action (NOA) - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medi-Cal Notice of Action (NOA)?

A Medi-Cal NOA is a written notice that gives Medi-Cal applicants and beneficiaries an explanation of their eligibility for Medi-Cal coverage or benefits.  The NOA should include the eligibility decision and effective date of coverage, as well as any changes made in your eligibility status or level of benefits.  The NOA must also include information about your hearing rights and how to appeal the decision if you disagree with the eligibility determination.

Learn more here about Medi-Cal Eligibility.

What do I do if I don’t understand my Medi-Cal NOA?

If you don’t understand your Medi-Cal NOA or have questions about your Medi-Cal eligibility, please contact your local county office at the phone number listed on the NOA.  

You may also find contact information here for your Local County Office.

What if the Medi-Cal NOA is not in my language?

If you receive a NOA in a language you are not able to read or understand, you should call the number on the NOA and ask for assistance.  You have the right to interpreter services provided by the county at no cost to you.

Why did I receive more than one NOA of Medi-Cal approval that says I am eligible for different months?

You may have recently received duplicates of the same NOA or NOAs that have different information from the other.  Normally, you should have received only one NOA.  However, there is currently a technical issue that is creating more than one NOA for Medi-Cal.

We know this may create confusion regarding which NOA is valid and has the correct information about your Medi-Cal eligibility.  If you received more than one NOA that says you are eligible for Medi-Cal, but the NOAs say you are eligible for different months, you have been approved for Medi-Cal.  Your Medi-Cal started in the earliest month listed on the NOAs you received.  For example, if you received NOAs saying you are eligible for January, February and March, your Medi-Cal began in January and your Medi-Cal has been in effect since January without any gaps in coverage.

If you have questions about when your Medi-Cal eligibility started, please contact your local county office at the phone number listed on the NOA.

You may also find contact information here for your Local County Office.

What do I do if I think my Medi-Cal benefits should start in an earlier month, but my Medi-Cal NOA has a different start date?

 If you believe your Medi-Cal should have started on a date that is different from the date on the NOA, or you have questions about which months you have been approved for, please contact your local county office at the phone number listed on the NOA.

You may also find contact information here for your Local County Office.

What do I do if I got one NOA saying that I am approved for Medi-Cal and another NOA with a different date saying I am approved or denied for Medi-Cal?

If both NOAs say you are eligible, then you have eligibility from the earliest month listed on your NOAs. If you got two NOAs, and one says you are eligible and the other says you are not eligible, then you have eligibility from the month listed on the NOA saying you are approved.  If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact your local county office at the phone number listed on the NOA. If you disagree with any decision that has been made, you may file an appeal.

You may also find contact information here for your Local County Office.

What do I do if I have any questions about my eligibility?

If you have any questions about your eligibility for Medi-Cal, the date your eligibility began, or whether you are eligible to have older medical bills paid, contact your county.  If you disagree with any decision that has been made, you may file an appeal.