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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):

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

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Medi-Cal 101
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Medi-Cal Terms & Services Glossary
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Medi-Cal’s Institutional Deeming Waiver 101

Maximizing Medi-Cal Benefits

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Making the Most of Medi-Cal
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How to Use Medi-Cal as Secondary Insurance
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4 Tips for Funding Your Child's Medical and Therapeutic Needs
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The Medi-Cal Appeal Process
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Big Changes to Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal: Update!

Related Parent Questions

Parent Question
What does Medi-Cal cover?
Medi-Cal can pay for health care costs, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), vision and dental care, and a number of Regional Center services, including respite, behavioral supports, and other therapies and programs.
Parent Question
Who is eligible for Medi-Cal?
Eligibility for Medi-Cal is usually based on household income. However, California offers several programs that allow people with disabilities to obtain Medi-Cal if their income is too high to qualify based solely on financial need.
Parent Question
Do I need a Medi-Cal managed care plan?
On January 1, 2022, a program called CalAIM went into effect. Among other things, the program is designed to streamline the delivery of Medi-Cal services in the community. Going forward, only those with medical exemptions will be eligible to remain under fee-for-service Medi-Cal.
Parent Question
Can I use Medi-Cal as secondary insurance?
Families who already have health insurance coverage for their child can still benefit from Medi-Cal as it may be used as a secondary insurance to pay certain expenses that a primary health insurance doesn’t cover.
Parent Question
What can I do if Medi-Cal denies my claim?
If Medi-Cal denies coverage for something your child needs, you are entitled to an appeal. The appeal process changes depending on whether you are enrolled in a managed care plan or straight Medi-Cal.
Parent Question
What Is the Medi-Cal Institutional Deeming Waiver?
Understand the Medi-Cal Institutional Deeming Waiver. Learn how it benefits individuals with developmental disabilities.

Related Video Clips

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Using Insurance and Medi-Cal Together
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What to Know about the Medi-Cal Waiver
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Funding Order: Private Insurance, Medi-Cal, and Regional Center
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Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor
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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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