If you are trying to locate a Kern County Medi-Cal Office near you, we can help. In the county of Kern, the Department of Human Services (DHS) runs the Medi-Cal program. You can visit a DHS office near you to apply for Medi-Cal, submit documents, attend an interview, renew your benefits, and ask questions about Medi-Cal.
In this post, we will provide the list of Kern County Medi-Cal Office locations, with phone numbers.
However, before you visit an office location, you can save yourself time by reviewing our frequently asked questions below.
We have provided answers to the top reasons why people visit the Medi-Cal Office in Kern County. See below.
For the closest Medi-Cal office near you, continue reading below.
Kern County Medi-Cal Office Locations
The Kern Medi-Cal office (DHS Offices) locations below are listed by area, so you have to scroll down to find the location near you.
Additionally, for each office location below, we have provided a phone number to call in case you have questions.
In addition to Medi-Cal, you 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 DHS office locations in Kern County:
Department of Human Services – Main Office
100 E. California Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 631-6807 [Map]
Department of Human Services – Satellite Offices
Delano
1816 Cecil Ave
Delano, CA 93215
(661) 721-5134 [Map]
Lake Isabella
7050 Lake Isabella Blvd, Suite 130
Lake Isabella, CA 93240
(760) 549-2006 [Map]
Lamont
8300 Segrue Road
Lamont, CA 93241
(661) 635-4000 [Map]
Mojave
2340 Hwy 58
Mojave, CA 93501
(661) 824-7500 [Map]
Ridgecrest
145 E Ridgecrest Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-5200 [Map]
Shafter
115 Central Valley Hwy
Shafter, CA 93263
(661) 746-8300 [Map]
Taft
119 North 10th Street
Taft, CA 93268
(661) 763-0200 [Map]
Medi-Cal in Kern County FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Kern County:
How do I Apply for Medi-Cal in Kern County?
There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Kern County:
- Online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- Call the Department of Human Services (DHS) during business hours Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm at (661) 631-6807.
- Apply in person at one of the DHS office locations listed above.
Is it safe to apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California?
Yes. Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application.
This means that once you apply using CoveredCA.com, you’ll find out which program you qualify for. Some households qualify for both.
What Happens After I apply for Medi-Cal?
Here’s what happens after you apply for Medi-Cal in Kern County:
Your Medi-Cal application will be reviewed by the DHS to determine if you qualify.
This could take up to 45 days.
To check on the status of your application, contact your Local DHS office (see list of locations above).
If the DHS determines you qualify and are approved for Medi-Cal, you will receive a packet in the mail with your Medi-Cal ID card.
Once you receive your Medi-Cal card, which is also known as a Benefit Identification Card (BIC), you can start using your Medi-Cal benefits.
You Must Choose a Health Plan
After you are approved for Medi-Cal, you must choose a health care plan and/or provider within 30 days of receiving your packet.
If you do not choose a plan and/or provider within 30 days, one will be assigned to you.
To see a list of health plans available to you in Kern County, and compare plans, click here.
How do I renew Medi-Cal Benefits?
When a Medi-Cal application is approved, the first annual Re-Evaluation (RE) will be due in the 12th benefit month.
The Re-Evaluation packet will be mailed to the beneficiary during the 10th month from the initial application date or the most recent annual re-evaluation effective date.
How does Medi-Cal for Children Work?
Children can qualify for healthcare coverage through Medi-Cal from birth.
If you receive Medi-Cal and give birth, your infant will automatically receive coverage.
However, remember to contact your Medi-Cal worker to make sure your baby has coverage.
Medi-Cal can cover the following medical services for children:
- Doctor’s check-ups and appointments
- Dental care
- Immunizations
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Emergency care
- X-rays and laboratory work
How does Medi-Cal help Medicare beneficiaries in California?
Many Medicare beneficiaries receive Medi-Cal financial assistance that can help them with Medicare premiums, lower prescription drug costs, and pay for expenses not covered by Medicare – including long-term care.
Are there any co-pays, premiums, or out-of-pocket expenses for Medi-Cal?
It depends. If you have a SOC or Share of Cost, you will need to pay that amount each month to your provider.
However, there are no other co-payment, premiums, or out-of-pocket expenses if you see and receive Medi-Cal-covered benefits through a Medi-Cal provider.
What Changes are coming for MediConnect Plan in 2022?
As of December 31, 2022, if you are enrolled in a Cal MediConnect plan, you will automatically move to dual special needs plans operated by the parent organization of your Cal MediConnect plan.
If you have questions or would like to select a different health plan (including PACE), contact the Health Consumer Alliance (HCA) at 1-888-804-3536.
The HCA can assist Californians who are trying to get or keep their health coverage.
Medi-Cal in Kern County Summary
We hope this post on Kern County Medi-Cal Office Locations was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Kern 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:
