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 Alameda, 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 Alameda County – including who is eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal income limits, how to apply for benefits, Social Services Agency (SSA) contact information, and Medi-Cal providers in Alameda County, including Alameda Alliance for Health.
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 Alameda County.
Additionally, we will provide SSA contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Alameda County, including what Medi-Cal covers.
Table of Contents:
- What is Medi-Cal
- What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
- Medi-Cal in Alameda County
- Medi-Cal Expansion in California
- Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
- Alameda County Medi-Cal Income Limits
- How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Alameda County
- Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
- Alameda County Medi-Cal Office Locations
- Alameda County Medi-Cal Phone Number
- Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Alameda County
- Medi-Cal Providers in Alameda County, California
- Alameda 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 Alameda County
In Alameda County, the Medi-Cal program is managed by the Social Services Agency (SSA).
In addition to Medi-Cal benefits, the SSA also handles CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief applications and benefits.
Furthermore, MyBenefits Calwin is the website for Alameda County Residents to apply for and to view their benefits online.
Continue reading below for MyBenefits Calwin 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
Alameda County Medi-Cal Income Limits
The Alameda 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 Alameda County
There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Alameda County:
- Online at MyBenefits CalWIN
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- Call the Social Services Agency (SSA) during business hours Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm at (510) 272-3663 or 1-800-698-1118 (toll-free).
- Apply in person at one of these SSA office locations listed below.
Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
The MyBenefits CalWIN website is a fast, easy way for Alameda County residents to apply for and manage public assistance services online, including Medi-Cal.
With a MyBenefits CalWIN 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 MyBenefits CalWIN account, click here to log in and apply for or manage your Medi-Cal benefits.
However, if you do not currently have a MyBenefits CalWIN, 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 MyBenefits CalWIN account, and apply for and manage your benefits online.
We recommend watching the video in order to save time in navigating the MyBenefits CalWIN website.
Alameda County Medi-Cal Office Locations
Applications for the Medi-Cal Program can be completed in person at an SSA office location.
To begin the process you will need to locate the Social Services Regional Center that serves your area.
You should be prepared to spend a minimum of two hours at the Social Services Regional Center
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 SSA office locations in Alameda County:
Eastmont Town Center
6955 Foothill Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94605
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Note: Effective March 15, 2022, the Alameda County Social Services Agency’s Eastmont Self-Sufficiency Center, Suite #100 will be closed temporarily until further notice. Clients may visit one of our other offices:
Eden Area Multi-Service Center
24100 Amador Street
Hayward, CA 94544
510-670-6000
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Edgewater Dr.
Program Integrity Division
7751 Edgewater Dr.
Oakland, CA 94621
510-208-0995
Enterprise Self-Sufficiency Center
8477 Enterprise Way
Oakland, CA 94621
510-639-1090
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fremont Office
39155 Liberty Street, Suite C330
Fremont, CA 94536
510-795-2428
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Jackson St.
1111 Jackson St.
Oakland, CA 94607
510-271-9100
Livermore Self-Sufficiency Center
2499 Constitution Dr.
Livermore, CA 94551
925-455-0747
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thomas L. Berkley Square (North Oakland)
2000 San Pablo Avenue
Oakland, CA 94612
510-891-0700
Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Alameda County Medi-Cal Phone Number
Here’s the phone number to call to speak to a live person regarding Medi-Cal in Alameda County:
Call the Social Services Agency (SSA) during business hours Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at 1-800-698-1118 (toll-free).
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Alameda 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 Alameda County, California.
| Plan Name | Phone Number |
| Alameda Alliance for Health | (510) 747-4567 TTY/TDD (510) 747-4501 |
| Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan | (800) 407-4627 TTY/TDD (888) 757-6034 |
| Specialty Health Plan | |
| Center for Elders Independence (PACE) | (510) 433-1150 TTY/TDD (510) 433-1165 |
| On Lok PACE | (888) 866-6565 (TTY: 711) |
Medi-Cal Providers in Alameda 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 Alameda County FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Alameda County:
Which low-income children and adults may be eligible for Medi-Cal in Alameda County?
If you are a California resident with low or no income, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal. This includes the following:
- Low-income individuals
- Families with Children
- Seniors
- Persons with disabilities
- Foster care
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, or HIV
What criteria are used to determine Medi-Cal income limits in Alameda County?
The Medi-Cal program has different eligibility requirements that fall under two categories: MAGI and Non-MAGI.
Here’s how it works:
MAGI Medi-Cal Eligibility
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health care for those that meet the income requirements.
The following groups may be eligible:
- Adults (aged 19-64)
- Parents/Caregiver Relatives
- Children (up to age 19)
- Pregnant Women
NON-MAGI Medi-Cal Eligibility
Non-MAGI Medi-Cal provides health care to all individuals/groups who were eligible for Medi-Cal before the Affordable Care Act.
This includes:
- Aged or disabled
- Blind
- Long-term care (LTC)
- Refugee
- Youth who need confidential medical services
- Families with children
- Pregnant women
- Children
How Do I keep my Medi-Cal benefits?
Medi-Cal benefits must be renewed at least once every 12 months. Some benefits are renewed automatically.
If your Medi-Cal benefits cannot be renewed automatically, the SSA will mail you forms that you need to submit back to mail back or drop off at an SSA office.
Should the SSA send you a renewal packet, please submit the renewal application packet back to the Alameda County Social Services Agency along with verifications by the deadline indicated on the renewal or you may lose your health coverage.
If you enrolled in a private health insurance plan with Covered California, you will receive a notification from Covered California and you may renew your health coverage on their website at Covered California.
What Medi-Cal Services are to the Youth?
Medical services are available to minors under 21 years of age through Medi-Cal Minor Consent Program.
Confidential medical services, regardless of citizenship or immigration status are offered for the following:
- Sexual assault
- Pregnancy or family planning
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Outpatient mental health
Is there Transportation Available under Medi-Cal?
Yes. Non-emergency transportation and non-medical transportation may be provided for Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
This service is available to beneficiaries who are unable to provide transportation on their own and who have a medical necessity to receive certain Medi-Cal-covered services.
If you may need assistance with transportation, contact your managed care plan for information and assistance.
However, if you have regular Medi-Cal and are not enrolled in a managed care plan, you may contact Covered California directly at 1-800-300-1506 for help.
Medi-Cal in Alameda County Summary
We hope this post on Medi-Cal in Alameda County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Alameda County, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Medi-Cal in California, including:
