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Medi-Cal

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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

If Medi-Cal doesn't cover speech therapy where I live, can Regional Center cover it?

Parent Question

Will my child lose their Medi-Cal if my income increases?

Video Clip

How to Share Your Medicaid Story with Lawmakers

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Public Perception vs. Reality of Potential Medicaid Cuts

Video Clip

How States Fund Medicaid Programs Explained

Video Clip

What Is Medicaid and Who Does It Help

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How Sharing Your Story Can Help Protect Medicaid

Video Clip

Is Medicaid Really Safe? What Budget Resolutions Don’t Say

Video Clip

What Medicaid Looks Like in California

Video Clip

Can $2 Trillion Be Cut Without Touching Medicaid

Video Clip

Medicaid Now: What You Need to Know

Parent Question

Can I access my Notice of Action (NOA) online?

Parent Question

Will Medi-Cal cover a stroller for my child?

Event Recap

Understanding Proposed Cuts to Medicaid and How You Can Make a Difference

Video

What the Latest Medicaid Updates Could Mean for Your Family

Parent Question

What is the Working Disabled program?

Parent Question

If my child doesn't qualify for Regional Center, can they still get Medi-Cal?

Parent Question

If I already have private insurance, do I need Medi-Cal?

Parent Question

Can my child have both IHSS and Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS)?

Parent Question

Is it true that you need to be denied by Medi-Cal before you can apply for the Regional Center waiver?

Parent Question

What are Waiver Care Personal Service (WCPS) hours?

Parent Question

Can I switch my Medi-Cal managed care plan?

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?

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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.

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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.

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