Decoder

Medi-Cal

Share this with a friend

Overview

While Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) will always be secondary coverage for children with private primary insurance, it can help with copays and many other out-of-pocket expenses. Learn more about who is eligible, what the Medi-Cal waiver is, and how to appeal a denial of coverage.

What services can Medi-Cal cover?

Common Medi-Cal services include (but are not limited to):

Medical coverage
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy when medically necessary
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy
Equipment and supplies
Incontinence supplies
Home nursing care
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

Check out our article Medi-Cal 101 and our Medi-Cal Terms and Services Glossary for more information about what your child might be eligible for.

Contents

Overview

What services can Medi-Cal cover?

How do I choose a managed care plan?

Where do I turn if my claim is denied?

When can I use Medi-Cal as secondary insurance?

Who is eligible for the Medi-Cal waiver?

Medi-Cal Basics

Medi-Cal 101

Medi-Cal Terms & Services Glossary

Medi-Cal’s Institutional Deeming Waiver 101

Maximizing Medi-Cal Benefits

Making the Most of Medi-Cal

How to Use Medi-Cal as Secondary Insurance

4 Tips for Funding Your Child's Medical and Therapeutic Needs

The Medi-Cal Appeal Process

Big Changes to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal: Update!

Latest Resources

Parent Question

Can the state try to recoup costs from parents that Medi-Cal has spent on a child?

Parent Question

What if there are no in-network Medi-Cal providers for my child?

Parent Question

How do I get my child on the HCBA waiver waiting list?

Parent Question

What are Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS)?

Parent Question

Who qualifies for the HCBA waiver?

Parent Question

What is the Home and Community Based Alternatives Waiver (HCBA)?

Parent Question

How do I appeal a Medi-Cal decision?

Parent Question

What is a Medi-Cal fair hearing?

Parent Question

What is a Medi-Cal consumer complaint?

Parent Question

What is a grievance?

Parent Question

What is an independent medical review (IMR)?

Parent Question

What is aid pending appeal?

Parent Question

What is a Notice of Action (NOA)?

Parent Question

Will Medi-Cal pay for transportation to and from an appointment?

Parent Question

How do I apply for Medi-Cal on BenefitsCal?

Video Clip

Does Medi-Cal Automatically Cover Everything a Doctor Prescribes?

Video Clip

Will Medi-Cal Cover Copays and Deductibles for Private Insurance?

Event Recap

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Public and Private Health Plans

Video Clip

What Is Medi-Cal's Institutional-Deeming Waiver?

Video Clip

How do Medi-Cal institutional deeming waivers work?

Video Clip

Can You Claim IHSS Hours For Bringing Your Child to Medical Appointments?

Video Clip

Does Your Child Qualify For Income-Based Medi-Cal?

Event Recap

5 California Public Benefits Your Child May Be Eligible For

Video Clip

Social Security Income (SSI) Financial Eligibility

First

Last

Share this with a friend

Tags:

Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor

Each piece of content has been rigorously researched, edited, and vetted to bring you the latest and most up-to-date information. Learn more about our content and research process here.

Give feedback to the Undivided team

A Navigator is your Partner at each turn

Every Undivided Navigator has years of experience supporting families raising kids with disabilities or parenting their own. Partner with an Undivided Navigator for a free Kickstart to learn first hand what support feels like!