Information for Pending Applicants and Newly Enrolled Medi-Cal Members
Due to the large number of Medi-Cal applications received through the Covered California website and county human services agencies, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is providing this information to help ensure you can get the care you need.
Pending Applicants
For those who applied and are likely eligible, but are waiting for their application to be finalized, there are ways you can get immediate care while you wait:
- You can go to a hospital for emergencies. The Hospital Presumptive Eligibility (PE) program provides adults, pregnant individuals, children, and former foster care enrollees with temporary, no cost Medi-Cal benefits for up to two months. In order to receive Hospital PE benefits, you must complete a simplified application online during a hospital stay. You will be notified immediately of your eligibility determination.
- You can visit your local county human services office. You can use your information to confirm your Medi-Cal eligibility and get a temporary identification card. This will allow you to get services until your enrollment is complete.
- Pregnant individuals can get temporary Medi-Cal coverage from certain Medi-Cal providers and clinics.
- Children can get temporary Medi-Cal coverage provided by enrolled Medi-Cal providers and clinics that see children.
Once your Medi-Cal eligibility is confirmed, the health coverage is effective beginning the first day of the month when you applied.
If you would like more information or to check the status of your application, please contact your county human services agency.
Newly Enrolled Members
For those who have been found eligible for Medi-Cal and have a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC), but have yet to select a managed care health plan, there are options below to help you find care. 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 Medi-Cal 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 members, and if you show your BIC to emergency room staff, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.
Get the Care You Need
Here are some ways you can get the care you need while your Medi-Cal application is being finalized:
- Community Health Centers & Clinics: Another way you can get care is to go to a clinic called a Federally Qualified Health Center. Find the health center in your area.
- 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. Use our County Office List to reach offices nearest you.
- Dental Providers: You can find a dental provider on the Medi-Cal Dental website under the “Find a Dentist” link, or by calling (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 receive.
- 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 Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan Directory webpage.
- 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 Health Care Options website for help finding a doctor or dentist, and for more information about Medi-Cal managed care health and dental plans.
- Pharmacy Benefits: If you need a prescription filled you can contact your local pharmacies to see if they accept Medi-Cal. For more information, please visit the Pharmacy Benefits' Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
- Public Hospitals: 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 by visiting the Safety Net Institute Members webpage.
- Yellow Pages: 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.
