How to Get Medi-Cal in California: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Health coverage shouldn't be complicated. But for a lot of people, the process of applying for Medi-Cal feels overwhelming — especially when you're already dealing with housing instability, job loss, or a health crisis. This guide breaks it down into simple steps.

What Is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Californians, including adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. If you earn below a certain income level, you likely qualify.

Who Qualifies?

In 2026, most California adults ages 19–64 qualify if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $1,732/month for a single person). But even if you're above that, you may still qualify based on your situation:

• People experiencing homelessness — you qualify regardless of income documentation

• Pregnant women — expanded eligibility and coverage

• Children under 19 — nearly all children in California qualify

• Seniors 65+ — income limits apply but are generous

• People with disabilities — special eligibility rules

• Recently incarcerated individuals — eligible 90 days before release under CalAIM

How to Apply

There are several ways to apply for Medi-Cal:

• Online: Visit CoveredCA.com or BenefitsCal.com

• By Phone: Call 1-800-300-1506 (Covered California) or your county social services office

• In Person: Visit your county Department of Social Services

• Through Us: Mysti's case managers can help you apply on the spot — call 833-312-7466

What Medi-Cal Covers

Once enrolled, Medi-Cal covers a wide range of services:

• Doctor and hospital visits

• Mental health and substance use treatment

• Prescription medications

• Dental care (Denti-Cal)

• Vision care

• Enhanced Care Management (ECM) through CalAIM

• Community Supports like housing navigation and medically supportive food

• Preventive care and wellness visits

How Mysti's Helps with Medi-Cal

At Mysti's Adult & Family Services, our case managers help clients enroll in Medi-Cal every day. We work in Los Angeles, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Contra Costa, Riverside, and Merced counties. We can help you:

• Determine if you qualify

• Complete and submit your application

• Connect you to a Medi-Cal managed care plan

• Link you to CalAIM services like ECM and Community Supports

• Appeal a denial if your application is rejected

Don't wait until a crisis to get covered. Call 833-312-7466 or email help@mystis.org today. We'll walk you through it.