Medi-Cal is the Medicaid program in California. It provides health coverage to people with low income and asset levels who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you live in the County of Riverside, California, and need help with Medi-Cal, we can help. In this post, we will review everything you need to know about Medi-Cal in Riverside County – including who is eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal income limits, how to apply for benefits, Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) contact information, and Medi-Cal providers in Riverside County, including CalOptima.
Before we get into Medi-Cal eligibility guidelines, first, we will explain what Medi-Cal is about and California’s Medicaid expansion.
Next, we will explain the Medi-Cal eligibility guidelines in detail, including the income limit, which is the most important.
We will then walk you through the 3 ways you can apply for Medi-Cal in Riverside County.
Additionally, we will provide DPSS contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Riverside County, including what Medi-Cal covers.
Table of Contents:
- What is Medi-Cal
- What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
- Medi-Cal in Riverside County
- Medi-Cal Expansion in California
- Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
- Riverside County Medi-Cal Income Limits
- How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Riverside County
- Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
- Riverside County Medi-Cal Office Locations
- Riverside County Medi-Cal Phone Number
- Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Riverside County
- Medi-Cal Providers in Riverside County, California
- Riverside County Medi-Cal FAQs
What is Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid public health insurance program. Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost medical services for children and adults with limited income (and limited resources for some Medi-Cal programs).
The program is supported by federal and state taxes.
Effective January 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medi-Cal coverage to previously ineligible adults (childless, non-disabled, non-elderly).
Medi-Cal Program and Services include:
- Children and Adults
- Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
- Teen Services
- Newborn Referral
- Long Term Care
- Dental
What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
- Outpatient (ambulatory) services
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services/devices (physical and occupational therapy)
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Certain adult dental services
- Pediatric services, including dental and vision care
Medi-Cal in Riverside County
In Riverside County, the Medi-Cal program is managed by the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).
In addition to Medi-Cal benefits, the DPSS also handles CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Riverside County Residents to apply for and to view their benefits online.
Continue reading below for BenefitsCal account information.
Medi-Cal Expansion in California
Effective January 1, 2014, The Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded Medicaid benefits to low-income, childless adults between the ages of 19-64 who meet the low or no income requirements.
Also, starting on January 1, 2020, a new law in California gave full-scope Medi-Cal to young adults under the age of 26, and immigration status does not matter.
This is referred to as the Young Adult Expansion. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.
Furthermore, beginning May 1, 2022, a new law in California will give full-scope Medi-Cal to adults 50 years of age or older and immigration status does not matter.
This is referred to as the Older Adult Expansion. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply to this new group.
Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
There are three ways you can qualify for Medi-Cal:
First, you can qualify if you meet the income limits.
To see if you qualify based on income, look at the chart below. Income numbers are based on your annual or yearly earnings.
Second, you can also get Medi-Cal if you are:
- 65 or older
- Blind
- Disabled
- Under 21
- Pregnant
- In a skilled nursing or intermediate care home
- On refugee status for a limited time, depending on how long you have been in the United States
- A parent or caretaker relative of an age-eligible child
- Have been screened for breast and/or cervical cancer (Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program)
Third, if you are enrolled in one of the following programs, you can also get Medi-Cal:
- CalFresh
- SSI/SSP
- CalWorks (AFDC)
- Refugee Assistance
- Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program
Riverside County Medi-Cal Income Limits
The Riverside County Medi-Cal income limit follows the California Medi-Cal Income Limit and is calculated as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL).
To be eligible for Medi-Cal, you cannot make more than the income guidelines outlined below:
- Children up to age 1 with family income up to 266 percent of FPL
- Any child age 1-5 with a family income up to 266 percent of FPL
- Children ages 6- 18 with family income up to 266 percent of FPL
- CHIP for children with family income up to 266%-322% percent of FPL
- Pregnant women with family income up to 213 percent of FPL
- Parents of minor children with family income up to 114 percent of FPL
- Individuals who are elderly, blind, and disabled with family income up to 100% of the FPL
- Adults without dependents under Medicaid expansion with income up to 138% of the FPL
Medi-Cal income limit charts
Below are the California Medi-Cal income limit charts, one showing eligibility for children and the other showing eligibility for adults.
First is the income limit for children by age category.
Find the age category your child falls into and you will see the income limit by household size.
| California Medicaid Income Limit – Children | ||||||
| Children Medicaid Ages 0-1 | Children Medicaid Ages 1-5 | Children Medicaid Ages 6-18 | Children Separate CHIP | |||
| % FPL | 100% | 266% | 266% | 266% | 322% | |
|
Household Size
|
1 | $14,580 | $38,783 | $38,783 | $38,783 | $46,948 |
| 2 | $19,720 | $52,455 | $52,455 | $52,455 | $63,498 | |
| 3 | $24,860 | $66,128 | $66,128 | $66,128 | $80,049 | |
| 4 | $30,000 | $79,800 | $79,800 | $79,800 | $96,600 | |
| 5 | $35,140 | $93,472 | $93,472 | $93,472 | $113,151 | |
| 6 | $40,280 | $107,145 | $107,145 | $107,145 | $129,702 | |
| 7 | $45,420 | $120,817 | $120,817 | $120,817 | $146,252 | |
| 8 | $50,560 | $134,490 | $134,490 | $134,490 | $162,803 | |
Next, you will find below the income limit for adults by category.
Find the category you fall into and you will see the income limit by household size.
| California Medicaid Income Limit – Adults | ||||||
| Pregnant Women Medicaid | Adults (Medicaid) Parent/ Caretaker | Seniors & People w/ Disabilities (Medicaid) | Adults (Medicaid) Expansion to Adults | |||
| % FPL | 100% | 213% | 114% | 100% | 138% | |
|
Household Size
|
1 | $14,580 | $31,055 | $16,621 | $14,580 | $20,120 |
| 2 | $19,720 | $42,004 | $22,481 | $19,720 | $27,214 | |
| 3 | $24,860 | $52,952 | $28,340 | $24,860 | $34,307 | |
| 4 | $30,000 | $63,900 | $34,200 | $30,000 | $41,400 | |
| 5 | $35,140 | $74,848 | $40,060 | $35,140 | $48,493 | |
| 6 | $40,280 | $85,796 | $45,919 | $40,280 | $55,586 | |
| 7 | $45,420 | $96,745 | $51,779 | $45,420 | $62,680 | |
| 8 | $50,560 | $107,693 | $57,638 | $50,560 | $69,773 | |
How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Riverside County
There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Riverside County:
- Online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- Call the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) during business hours Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm at 1-877-410-8827.
- Apply in person at one of the DPSS office locations listed below.
Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
The BenefitsCal website is a fast, easy way for Riverside County residents to apply for and manage public assistance services online, including Medi-Cal.
With a BenefitsCal account, you can perform the following tasks online:
- See if you are eligible for Medi-Cal and other benefits
- Apply for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and Cash Assistance Benefits
- Report Changes in your Household situation that may affect your benefits
- Renew your Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and Cash Assistance Benefits
If you currently have a BenefitsCal account, click here to log in and apply for or manage your Medi-Cal benefits.
However, if you do not currently have a BenefitsCal, click here to sign up for one. It only takes a few minutes.
The video below does a great job of explaining in detail how to sign up for a BenefitsCal account, and apply for and manage your benefits online.
We recommend watching the video in order to save time in navigating the BenefitsCal website.
Riverside County Medi-Cal Office Locations
Applications for the Medi-Cal Program can be completed in person at a DPSS office location.
To begin the process you will need to locate the DPSS that serves your area.
Unless there is an emergent need for medical care, benefits may not be issued the same day.
In addition to Medi-Cal, households can apply for CalFresh, General Relief and CalWORKs at the following locations, which are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:
See below for a list of DPSS office locations in Riverside County:
Banning
63 South 4th Street
Banning, CA 92220
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 922-7005
Blythe
1225 W. Hobsonway
Blythe, CA 92225
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
(877) 410-8827
Fax Number
(760) 921-5720
Cathedral City
68615 Perez Road
Suite 9A
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(760) 770-2380
Services:
Coachella
1283 6th Street
Coachella, CA 92236
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
(877) 410-8827
Fax Number
(760) 262-8485
Desert Hot Springs
65753 Pierson Boulevard
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
(877) 410-8827
Fax Number
(760) 773-6858
Hemet
541 N. San Jacinto Street
Hemet, CA 92544
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 791-3020
Indio
44-199 Monroe Street
Suite D,
Indio, CA 92201
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(760) 863-2864
Lake Elsinore
1400 W. Minthorn Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Office Hours
The office at 1400 W. Minthorn Street is open for limited hours. This location is offering Self Sufficiency services from a mobile office Monday to Friday from 8 am – 10 am.
Contact the office for additional services at the numbers listed below.
Contact
In-Home Supportive Services — IHSS Home Line – (888) 960-4477
Children’s Services — 951-600-6600
Self Sufficiency — (877) 410-8827 – Customer service Line
Fax Numbers
(951) 245-3157
(951) 245-3159
To report suspected abuse/neglect against adults call Adult Protective Services at 800-491-7123.
Moreno Valley
12625 Heacock Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 486-7664
Mecca
91275 66th Ave.
Ste 100
Mecca 92254
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
877-410-8827
Fax Number
760-863-7354
Norco
517 W Parkridge Ave
Norco, CA 92860
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 272-5482
Perris
201 Redlands Ave
Perris, CA 92571
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 940-6610
Riverside – La Sierra
11060 Magnolia Ave.
Riverside, CA 92505
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 358-7417
Riverside – Jurupa
5961 Mission Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92509
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
1-877-410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 509-8178
Temecula
43264 Business Park Drive
Suite 102
Temecula, CA 92590
Office Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Number
(877) 410-8827
Fax Number
(951) 600-6484
Riverside County Medi-Cal Phone Number
Here’s the phone number to call to speak to a live person regarding Medi-Cal in Riverside County:
Call the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) during business hours Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the following phone numbers:
Toll-Free: 1-877-410-8827
Administrative Services — (951) 358-3000
Non-Emergency Children’s Services — (951) 358-5650
Adoption Team — (951) 358-3555
Adult Protective Services — (800) 491-7123
Self Sufficiency – (877) 410-8827
In-Home Supportive Services / Public Authority — 1-888-960-4477
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Riverside County
When you first qualify for Medi-Cal, you are covered under Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service.
However, you must choose a health plan within 30 days. If you do not choose a plan within 30 days, the State will choose a plan for you.
If you find only one health plan, the county has chosen this plan for you. Please wait for your health plan information mailer in the mail.
If you find multiple health plans listed, please explore each plan and choose the one that suits you and your family’s needs.
Below is a list of Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan options available in Riverside County, California.
| Plan Name | Phone Number |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | (800) 440-4347 TTY/TDD (800) 718-4347 |
| Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. | (888) 665-4621 TTY/TDD (800) 479-3310 |
| Specialty Health Plan | |
| InnovAge PACE | (877) 653-0015 |
| Neighborhood PACE | (844) NHC-PACE (844-642-7223) ext 2017 TTY/DD 844-642-7223 |
| SCAN Health Plan | (877) 452-5898 TTY/TDD (800) 735-2929 |
See our guide on getting Medi-Cal plan through Kaiser Permanente.
Medi-Cal Providers in Riverside County, California
When you enroll in (join) a Medi-Cal plan, you must choose a primary care provider (PCP).
Your PCP is the doctor or clinic you go to when you are sick or need a checkup.
To locate a Medi-Cal provider near you, click here to search the database of providers.
Once you are on the website, select a program (see image below) to search for doctors, dentists, hospitals, medical clinics, and dental clinics near you.
Medi-Cal Riverside County FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Riverside County:
Which low-income children and adults may be eligible for Medi-Cal in Riverside County?
The following groups are eligible:
- Adults ages 26-64
- Children and young adults under 26
- Former foster youth under 21
- Pregnant individuals
What’s the New Medi-Cal Law in California for 2022?
Thousands of Riverside County residents now qualify for health coverage through the statewide Medi-Cal program.
A state law went into effect May 1, 2022, that extends Medi-Cal eligibility to low-income Californians who are at least age 50 regardless of their immigration status.
The expansion is expected to provide coverage to an additional 185,000 Californians, including at least 10,000 residents in Riverside County.
Overall, nearly one million county residents rely on Medi-Cal for health, mental health, and dental coverage.
What is Covered California Program?
Covered California is the State of California’s health insurance marketplace from the Affordable Care Act.
The exchange lets individuals and small businesses buy private health insurance coverage at federally subsidized rates.
Essential benefits include:
- Emergency/urgent care
- Hospital care services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Prescription medication
- Rehabilitation services
- Laboratory services
- Preventative and wellness care
- Pediatric services
- Dental
- Optometric services
Additionally, Covered California can include access to the Medi-Cal program, including application for benefits.
To learn more about what plans are available at Covered California, visit coveredca.com.
Who is Eligible for Long Term Care Medi-Cal?
The following groups are eligible for Long Term Care Medi-Cal benefits:
First, a single individual with property/resources of $2000 and under is eligible.
For a married individual with a spouse still living at home, the spouse at home may keep a predetermined amount of community property/resources.
This amount is established by the State and it is referred to as the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA).
Although the Community Spouse Resource Allowance may change annually, the only time the property/resources would be reevaluated is if the person leaves the facility and then reenters.
The Community Spouse Resource Allowance may be increased by an Administrative Law Judge through the appeals process.
However, the institutionalized spouse may keep up to $2000 of the countable property in their name.
Also, individuals under age 65 receiving Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal are also eligible for Long Term Care services.
What is included in Teen Medi-Cal services?
Confidential sensitive services for minors include:
- Pregnancy/pregnancy related care
- Family planning
- Sexual assault
- Sexually transmitted diseases (only for child 12 years or older)
- Drug abuse treatment/counseling (only for child 12 years or older)
- Alcohol abuse treatment/counseling (only for child 12 years or older)
- Mental Health outpatient care (only for child 12 years or older)
What is IEHP Healthcare Coverage?
The Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) provides low-income and working-class individuals and families with access to health services through the Medi-Cal program.
IEHP is among the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country, with 1.5 million members and over 7,500 providers.
Is In-Home Supportive Services available in Riverside County?
Yes. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a home care program that prioritizes the safety of older adults, dependent adults, and minors in their own homes.
To be eligible for IHSS in Riverside County, you must:
- Meet Medi-Cal eligibility requirements in the state of California
- Have a disability which is expected to continue longer than 12 months
- Have a physician or medical professional determine that you are unable to remain safely in your own home without IHSS.
To learn more about IHSS in Riverside county and how to apply, visit https://RiversideIHSS.org.
See our complete guide to In-Home Supportive Services in California.
Medi-Cal in Riverside County Summary
We hope this post on Medi-Cal in Riverside County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Riverside County, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Medi-Cal and California Medicaid program, including:
