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 Humboldt, 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 Humboldt County – including who is eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal income limits, how to apply for benefits, and Social Services contact information, and Medi-Cal providers in Humboldt County, including Partnership Health Plan of California.
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 Humboldt County.
Additionally, we will provide Social Services contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Humboldt County, including what Medi-Cal covers.
Table of Contents:
- What is Medi-Cal
- What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
- Medi-Cal in Humboldt County
- Medi-Cal Expansion in California
- Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
- Humboldt County Medi-Cal Income Limits
- How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Humboldt County
- Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
- Humboldt County Medi-Cal Office Locations
- Humboldt County Medi-Cal Phone Number
- Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Humboldt County
- Medi-Cal Providers in Humboldt County, California
- Humboldt 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 Humboldt County
In Humboldt County, the Medi-Cal program is managed through the Department of Health & Human Services Social Services.
In addition to Medi-Cal benefits, the Social Services also handles CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Humboldt 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
Humboldt County Medi-Cal Income Limits
The Humboldt 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 | $13,590 | $36,149 | $36,149 | $36,149 | $43,760 |
| 2 | $18,310 | $48,705 | $48,705 | $48,705 | $58,958 | |
| 3 | $23,030 | $61,260 | $61,260 | $61,260 | $74,157 | |
| 4 | $27,750 | $73,815 | $73,815 | $73,815 | $89,355 | |
| 5 | $32,470 | $86,370 | $86,370 | $86,370 | $104,553 | |
| 6 | $37,190 | $98,925 | $98,925 | $98,925 | $119,752 | |
| 7 | $41,910 | $111,481 | $111,481 | $111,481 | $134,950 | |
| 8 | $46,630 | $124,036 | $124,036 | $124,036 | $150,149 | |
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 | $13,590 | $28,947 | $15,493 | $13,590 | $18,754 |
| 2 | $18,310 | $39,000 | $20,873 | $18,310 | $25,268 | |
| 3 | $23,030 | $49,054 | $26,254 | $23,030 | $31,781 | |
| 4 | $27,750 | $59,108 | $31,635 | $27,750 | $38,295 | |
| 5 | $32,470 | $69,161 | $37,016 | $32,470 | $44,809 | |
| 6 | $37,190 | $79,215 | $42,397 | $37,190 | $51,322 | |
| 7 | $41,910 | $89,268 | $47,777 | $41,910 | $57,836 | |
| 8 | $46,630 | $99,322 | $53,158 | $46,630 | $64,349 | |
How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Humboldt County
There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Humboldt County:
- Online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- Call Social Services during business hours (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed Wed, Sat, Sun.) at 877-410-8809.
- Apply in person at one of the Social Services office locations listed below.
Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
The BenefitsCal website is the fast, easy way for Humboldt 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.
Humboldt County Medi-Cal Office Locations
Applications for the Medi-Cal Program can be completed in person at a Social Services office location.
To begin the process you will need to locate the Social Services 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 DSS office locations in Humboldt County:
Eureka
929 Koster St
Eureka, CA 95501
Hours
Monday -Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Fortuna
3306 Renner Dr
Fortuna, CA 95540
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
Garberville
727 Cedar St
Garberville, CA 95542
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
Hoopa
535 Airport Rd
Hoopa, CA 95546
Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
Humboldt County Medi-Cal Phone Number
Here’s the phone number to call to speak to a live person regarding Medi-Cal in Humboldt County:
Call the Social Services at the following phone numbers:
Eureka Call Center
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed Wed, Sat, Sun.
Ph: 1-877-410-8809
Administration
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m
Ph: 1-707-476-4700.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Humboldt 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 Humboldt County, California.
|
Plan Name |
Phone Number |
|---|---|
|
(800) 863-4155 |
|
| Specialty Health Plan | |
| Redwood Coast PACE | 707-443-9747 ext. 1203
(TTY users call 711 – California Relay Service). |
Medi-Cal Providers in Humboldt 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 Humboldt County FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Humboldt County:
Which low-income children and adults may be eligible for Medi-Cal in Humboldt County?
The following groups are eligible:
- Adults ages 26-64
- Children and young adults under 26
- Former foster youth under 21
- Pregnant individuals
What is Covered California?
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.
What does the California Medi-Cal ID card look like?
When you are approved for Medi-Cal, you will have two ID cards.
The first one will be the state Medi-Cal card, as shown below.
Additionally, you will receive an ID card from the Managed Health Partner you choose.
You will need to present both ID cards to access most types of care.
We have provided below an example of a Managed Health Partner ID card from L.A. Care for Medi-Cal recipients in Los Angeles County.
Do all Counties in California have access to the same Medi-Cal Providers?
No. While Medi-Cal covers the state of California, each county within California has different “Managed Health Partners” that manage your healthcare.
For example, Humboldt County uses Partnership Health Plan and Los Angeles County uses Health Net Community Solutions, INC. or L.A. Care Health Plan.
I have the Partnership Health Plan of California. How can I get Care?
How to get the medical care you need with a Partnership Health Plan of California Medi-Cal enrollment:
- Make an appointment to see your doctor for a check-up within 120 days after your Medi-Cal starts.
- When you go to the doctor, bring your Medi-Cal card and your PHC I.D. card with you.
- Always try to keep your appointments and try to get there 15 minutes early.
- If you must cancel your appointment call at least 24 hours in advance.
- Make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Bring your list with you.
- If something is not clear, tell your doctor. If you get home and forgot what your doctor told you, call your doctor’s office and ask for the answer or directions again.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicine you are taking, even over-the-counter medicines. You can make a list of your medicines to give to your doctor. When your doctor gives you a new prescription, ask if there are any side effects or foods you should not eat. Ask when the medicine should be taken.
- Only use the emergency room when a delay in treatment could cause death or serious injury.
What Changes in Household Situation do I have to Report?
In order to continue receiving Medi-Cal benefits, you are required to report any changes in your household to the Social Services office.
This includes changes to your income, disability status, phone number, or mailing address.
Additionally, you should also report if someone in your household becomes pregnant, if someone moves in, or anything else that may affect your Medi-Cal eligibility.
Reporting these changes may help you continue to receive Medi-Cal coverage.
What is the IHSS Program?
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provide people with low-income who are blind, disabled, or 65 years old or older with personal assistance and other services so they can live safely in their homes.
The program is funded by state, county, and federal dollars.
IHSS providers may do a range of tasks, such as household chores, personal care like dressing and bathing, and paramedical services.
You apply at your county In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) office.
IHSS is available for people who receive full-scope Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal in Humboldt County Summary
We hope this post on Medi-Cal in Humboldt County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Humboldt 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:
