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 Nevada, 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 Nevada County – including who is eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal income limits, how to apply for benefits, the Public Assistance Office contact information, and Medi-Cal providers in Nevada County, including Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan.
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 Nevada County.
Additionally, we will provide the Public Assistance Office contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Nevada County, including what Medi-Cal covers.
Table of Contents:
- What is Medi-Cal
- What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
- Medi-Cal in Nevada County
- Medi-Cal Expansion in California
- Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
- Nevada County Medi-Cal Income Limits
- How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Nevada County
- Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
- Nevada County Medi-Cal Office Locations
- Nevada County Medi-Cal Phone Number
- Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Nevada County
- Medi-Cal Providers in Nevada County, California
- Nevada 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 Nevada County
In Nevada County, the Medi-Cal program is managed by the Public Assistance Office.
In addition to Medi-Cal benefits, the Public Assistance Office also handles CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Nevada 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
Nevada County Medi-Cal Income Limits
The Nevada 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 Nevada County
There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Nevada County:
-
- Online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- Call the Public Assistance Office at 530-265-1340 or email them at [email protected] to request a paper application in the mail.
- Apply in person at one of the Public Assistance Office locations listed below.
Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
The BenefitsCal website is the fast, easy way for Nevada 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.
Nevada County Medi-Cal Office Locations
Applications for the Medi-Cal Program can be completed in person at a Public Assistance office location.
To begin the process you will need to locate a Public Assistance that serves your area.
Unless there is an emergent need for medical care, benefits may not be issued on 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 Public Assistance office locations in Nevada County:
Nevada City
Eric Rood Administration Center
950 Maidu Avenue Suite 120
Nevada City, CA 95959
Hours
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grass Valley
Brighton Greens Resource Center
988 McCourtney Road
Grass Valley, CA 95949-7400
Hours
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Truckee
Joseph Center
10075 Levon Avenue
Truckee, CA 96161
Hours
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fax Number
530-582-8995
Nevada County Medi-Cal Phone Number
Here’s the phone number to call to speak to a live person regarding Medi-Cal in Nevada County:
You can call the Public Assistance office during business hours Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at the following phone numbers:
- Call 530-265-1340 if you have questions about your case or need to request a new BIC or EBT card.
- All Medi-Cal renewals are waived until further notice.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Nevada 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 Nevada County, California.
| Plan Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan | (800) 407-4627 TTY/TDD (888) 757-6034 |
| California Health & Wellness | (877) 658-0305 TTY/TDD (866) 274-6083 |
Medi-Cal Providers in Nevada 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 Nevada County FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Nevada County:
Am I eligible for Medi-Cal?
Many residents are now eligible for medical coverage in Nevada County.
To check your eligibility, visit one of the Public Assistance Offices listed above.
They can help you see which program you qualify for, whether it’s Medi-Cal, the County Services Medi-Cal program, or Covered California benefits.
Does the Nevada County Behavioral Health Accept Medi-Cal?
Yes. The Nevada County Behavioral Health accepts Medi-Cal, Medicare, Healthy Families, CMSP, and other insurance for our services.
Additionally, most people qualify for reduced fees or have access to insurance or other benefits that will cover part or all of their fees.
Can you use your Medi-Cal in another county?
Yes. If you are moving to a new county in California, you need to tell the county you live in or the county you are moving to.
This is to make sure you keep getting Medi-Cal benefits. You should tell your local county office within 10 days of moving to a new county.
How do I see a Doctor under Medi-Cal?
Most people who are in Medi-Cal see a doctor through a Medi-Cal managed care plan.
Medi-Cal managed care plans are like the health plans people have with private insurance.
Once you are approved for Medi-Cal, it may take a few weeks to assign your Medi-Cal managed care plan.
When you first sign up for Medi-Cal, or if you have special situations, you may need to see the doctor through “Fee-for-Service Medi-Cal.”
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.
Is In-Home Supportive Services available in Nevada County?
Yes. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provides assistance to eligible aged, blind and disabled individuals who are unable to remain safely in their own homes without this assistance.
It is an alternative to out-of-home care, such as skilled nursing or board and care.
To learn more about IHSS in Nevada county and how to apply, click here.
See our complete guide to In-Home Supportive Services in California.
Who pays for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)?
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) are financed by state, county, and federal funds.
Depending on your countable income, you may have to pay for a portion of the cost of services.
This is known as “share of cost.”
Does Medi-Cal cover Medicare Premiums?
Yes. If you have Medicare coverage, Medi-Cal may be able to pay your Medicare Part B premiums through Medicare Premium Payment Programs (MPPP).
You may also be eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal coverage at the same time, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities.
How do I terminate my Medi-Cal benefits?
There are several reasons why one may decide to terminate their Medi-Cal benefits. This include:
- Moving out of state
- An increase in your household income puts you out of the Medi-cal income limit for your household size.
- You now have employer sponsored health insurance
To terminate Medi-Cal, complete form MC 215 and submit it to your local Medi-Cal office.
Medi-Cal in Nevada County Summary
We hope this post on Medi-Cal in Nevada County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Nevada 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:
