What is Medicaid in California? It is a public health insurance initiative that enables low-income people and families to obtain medical care. The program covers many health services like hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, etc.
In California, Medicaid is known as MediCal. Understanding how it works can help you acquire the healthcare you need and maximize your advantages.
What is Medicaid in California?
Medicaid is a US government program offering health insurance to low-income people and children with limited resources, established in 1965.
According to statistics, the program covers one in every five Americans, or more than 70 million individuals. They include 40% of all children and 60% of nursing home residents.
Medicaid is partially financed and mostly administered by state governments. States don’t have to participate in the program, though they have since 1982.
But note that you do not receive money directly from Medicaid; rather, the program pays your healthcare providers. However, several services may require you to pay a small amount of the total cost (known as a co-payment).
So, what is Medicaid called in California? MediCal is California’s version of the Medicaid program.
According to the California Health Care Foundation, more than 40% of Californians rely on Medi-Cal or Covered California subsidies for their medical coverage.
Particularly, 38% (14.9 million people) take part in MediCal, with 4% (1.6 million) getting premium subsidies through Covered California.
Who pays for Medicaid in California? Both the state and federal governments fund it.
Also read: Steps To Get Free Phones For Hearing Impaired In California
How to Qualify for Medicaid in California?
Who qualifies for MediCal? You may qualify for Medicaid California if you are a California resident and meet one of these requirements:
- Over 65 years old
- Pregnant
- Blind or disabled
- Under 21 years old
- Living in a care home or nursing home
- A refugee living temporarily in the United States
If you are a parent or guardian relative caring for a child under the age of 21, you may qualify for Medicaid assistance for these reasons:
- The death of their parent
- The parent being incapacitated
- The parent being unemployed
- The parent not living with the child
Significantly, California has broadened Medicaid coverage so that you may qualify based solely on your income. As long as your income is less than 138% of the poverty level, you are qualified for MediCal.
Also, you may be eligible for MediCal benefits if you already participate in one or more of these federal programs:
- SSP (California’s implementation of SSI)
- CalFresh (California’s SNAP program)
- CalWorks (California’s implementation of TANF)
- Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program
- Refugee Assistance
Read more: How To Get A MediCal Free Phone? Eligibility & Application Guide
How to Apply for Medicaid in California?
So, how to apply for MediCal? There are several ways to apply for Medicaid California, including online, by phone, or in person.
Follow these steps to apply for MediCal online:
- Visit BenefitsCal and click “Apply Now.”
- Complete the application to avoid delays.
- After submission, staff will review your application and schedule an interview to check eligibility.
- If you qualify, your application will be approved within set timeframes. Otherwise, your case will be referred to Covered California, where you can select a health plan.
Alternatively, you can submit applications in person at your county human services office or over the phone by calling Covered California at (800) 300-1506.
How to Maximize Medicaid Benefits in California?
A great thing about the Medicaid program is that, if you are on Medicaid, you may be qualified for Lifeline, California’s excellent government phone service.
This initiative seeks to guarantee that all qualified persons have access to basic services such as job opportunities, healthcare, and emergency help.
Notably, participants in the program can earn a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on wireless or internet services. Meanwhile, people who live on tribal land may be qualified for even bigger discounts, up to $34.25 a month.
Moreover, if you apply for the Lifeline program through an authorized provider, you may also get a free phone, such as a free government iPhone California.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a MediCal free phone in California, you must fulfill Lifeline’s eligibility requirements.
Fortunately, if you are currently participating in Medicaid, you are instantly qualified for a free device. Then, you must show proof of participation, like an official award letter or your Medicaid card.
Also, you may be qualified if you are enrolled in another federal aid program, including:
- CalFresh (also known as SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Tribal Assistance Programs (if applicable)
Another method to qualify for a free phone in California is if your family income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Steps to apply
If you match the qualifying requirements, simply follow these easy steps to apply for a free Medicaid phone from AirTalk Wireless. It is one of the reputable California Lifeline providers.
Step 1: Visit AirTalk Wireless
First, head over to the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your California ZIP code. Next, hit the “Apply Now” button to begin.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Next, pick the plan that suits you best:
- Free Phone & Plan – Receive a free phone along with a monthly service plan.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – Use your current phone with AirTalk’s plan.
Step 3: Select a Device
Browse available options and choose from free or discounted smartphones, tablets, or bundles, such as:
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Provide the necessary documentation to confirm your eligibility for the Lifeline program.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Once you submit your application and documents, AirTalk Wireless will review your information. After approval, your device will be shipped within 7–10 business days.
Conclusion
What is Medicaid in California? This program offers essential health coverage for those who qualify, but you can do even more to stretch your benefits.
One smart way is to apply for the Lifeline program through AirTalk Wireless. This way, you can receive a free phone and monthly service to stay connected to doctors, services, and support. Visit AirTalk Wireless to maximize your Medicaid benefits now!
