
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal
When you have Medi-Cal, the Alliance works with the State of California to help you get the health care you need.
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program that provides no-cost or low-cost health insurance to Californians. Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance) is a managed care health plan for people who have Medi-Cal. The Alliance works with the State of California to provide health care to people who live in Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) determines who is eligible for Medi-Cal. You can apply for Medi-Cal benefits regardless of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability or veteran status. If you are eligible, you can get Medi-Cal as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
You can apply for Medi-Cal at any time of the year.
You may apply online at Covered California, or contact your local county office to apply by mail, phone, fax, email or in person:
- Merced County Department of Human Services
Phone: 209-385-3000 or 855-421-6770 - Monterey County Department of Social Services
Phone: 877-410-8823 - County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department
Phone: 888-421-8080
As an Alliance member, you have access to the health care and support services described in the Get Care section of this website.
You will pick one doctor to see for all your health care needs. We call that doctor your Primary Care Provider or PCP. Use the Provider Directory to find a PCP.
Your PCP will provide all of your regular health care. If you need to see any other doctor, your PCP will send a request to the Alliance. This is called a PCP referral. A PCP referral is not needed for emergency care and family planning services. There are some services and medical equipment that must be approved by the Alliance before you can get them. This is called prior authorization. Your PCP or other doctor will send referral and prior authorization requests to the Alliance for approval.
The Alliance covers most health care services provided by your PCP, doctors, hospitals and licensed health care providers in our network. There are some services that are covered by Medi-Cal but not through the Alliance.
For a high-level summary of plan benefits, read the Benefits Matrix.
For full details, read the Member Handbook.
As of July 1, 2022, the Alliance covers community health worker (CHW) services for individuals when recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner to prevent disease, disability, and other health conditions or their progression; prolong life; and promote physical and mental health and efficiency. Services may include:
- Health education and training, including control and prevention of chronic or infectious diseases; behavioral, perinatal and oral health conditions; and injury prevention.
- Health promotion and coaching, including goal setting and creating action plans to address disease prevention and management.
If you think you may benefit from this service, contact your PCP or call the Alliance Member Services Department.
As of May 1, 2022, the Older Adult Expansion extends eligibility for full scope Medi-Cal to people 50 years of age or older who meet all Medi-Cal eligibility criteria. Immigration status does not matter.
If you had active restricted scope Medi-Cal in May 2022, you were automatically transitioned to full scope Medi-Cal. If you received a renewal notice, please fill it out and return it to the county so that there is no processing delay. If you did not have active restricted scope Medi-Cal, you can apply for Medi-Cal online, by mail, by telephone, at your local county office, by fax or in person. If you qualify for full scope Medi-Cal under the Older Adult Expansion, you will receive a notice to tell you about your eligibility for full scope Medi-Cal and the beginning date, which will be May 1, 2022, or after.
On July 1, 2022, the asset limit increased for Medi-Cal programs for people who are 65 or older or disabled. These changes apply to things you own that can be counted for Medi-Cal eligibility. These items include bank accounts, cash, second vehicles and homes, and other financial resources. The previous limits were $2,000 for one person, and $3,000 for a couple. The new limits are $130,000 for one person, and an additional $65,000 for each additional family member.
If you believe you may be eligible for Medi-Cal because of the increase to asset limits, you are encouraged to apply. If you are already in a Medi-Cal program that has asset limits, you will be able to keep more than you could before. Please contact your local county Medi-Cal office if you have any questions.
Questions?
If you have any questions, or if your Medi-Cal application was denied, please contact your local county office.
- Merced County
Merced County Human Services Agency
2115 West Wardrobe Avenue, Merced, CA 95341
855-421-6770 or 209-385-3000
www.co.merced.ca.us/458/Medi-Cal - Monterey County
Monterey County Department of Social Services
1000 South Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
Current Medi-Cal members: 877-410-8823
New applicants to Medi-Cal: 866-323-1953
www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-i-z/social-services - Santa Cruz County
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department
1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
18 W. Beach Street, Watsonville, CA 95076
888-421-8080
www.santacruzhumanservices.org
Check in with the Alliance. Check in with your county. Make sure you’re covered!
Visit our Update your Medi-Cal page for details.
As of December 23, 2022, the U.S. government made some changes to the public charge final rule. There are more protections for immigrants and their families to use public benefits without fearing it will affect their immigration status. There are also less barriers for low-income immigrants to get a green card.
The updated public charge rule states that many public benefits will no longer count for public charge, like health care and food. Medi-Cal/Medicaid does not count under the new public charge rule unless someone is:
- In long-term institutionalized care.
- In a skilled nursing home.
Every family is different. It is important to:
- Know your rights.
- Get the facts. Understand if the rule affects you.
For more information on public charge, visit our website at www.thealliance.health/health-plan/medi-cal/public-charge.
Questions?
- For more information, call the Alliance
Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Phone: 800-700-3874
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Assistance
TTY: 800-735-2929 (Dial 711) - Keep yourself and your family covered
- Open Update Contact Information form
- Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Phone: 800-700-3874
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Assistance
TTY: 800-855-3000 (Dial 711) - Nurse Advice Line
How to Join
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