Medi-Cal in Kings County (2023 Guide)

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 Kings, 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 Kings County – including who is eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal income limits, how to apply for benefits, Human Services Agency (HSA) contact information, and Medi-Cal providers in Kings 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 Kings County.

Additionally, we will provide HSA contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.

Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Kings County, including what Medi-Cal covers.

Table of Contents:

• What is Medi-Cal
• What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
• Medi-Cal in Kings County
• Medi-Cal Expansion in California
• Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
• Kings County Medi-Cal Income Limits
• How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Kings County
• Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
• Kings County Medi-Cal Office Locations
• Kings County Medi-Cal Phone Number
• Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Kings County
• Medi-Cal Providers in Kings County, California
• Kings 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 Care

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 Kings County

In Kings County, the Medi-Cal program is managed by the Human Services Agency (HSA).

In addition to Medi-Cal benefits, the HSA also handles CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief applications and benefits.

Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Kings 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

Kings County Medi-Cal Income Limits

The Kings 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

2023 Medi-Cal Income Limits for Adults

In 2023, a single adult earning $1,677 or less per month (138% FPL) is eligible for Medi-Cal, or $20,120 a year.

That’s approximately a 6.70 percent increase from the 2022 income limit.

For 2 adults, the household income limit is $2,269 per month for Medi-Cal eligibility, or $27,214 a year.

Find the category you fall into and you will see the income limit by household size.

2023 Medi-Cal Income Limits for Children

Next 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.

How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Kings County

There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Kings County:

• Online at BenefitsCal.com.
• Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
• Call the Human Services Agency (HSA) during business hours Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm at 1-877-410-8813. 
• Apply in person at one of the HSA office locations listed below.

If you are applying by mail, you can mail the completed application to:

Human Services Agency
1400 W. Lacey Blvd., Building #8
Hanford, CA 93230

Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online

The BenefitsCal website is the fast, easy way for Kings 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.

Kings County Medi-Cal Office Locations

Applications for the Medi-Cal Program can be completed in person at an HSA office location.

To begin the process you will need to locate the HSA 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 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday:

See below for a list of HSA office locations in Kings County:

Hanford

Human Services Agency – Main Office
Kings County Government Center
1400 W. Lacey Blvd. Bldg. #8
Hanford CA 93230
Office Hours: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Closed Holidays

Corcoran

Human Services Agency
951 Chittenden Avenue
Corcoran CA 93212
Office Hours: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Closed Holidays

Kings County Medi-Cal Phone Number

Here’s the phone number to call to speak to a live person regarding Medi-Cal in Kings County:

Call the Human Services Agency (HSA) during business hours Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm at 1-877-410-8813.

Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Kings 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 Kings County, California.

Medi-Cal Providers in Kings 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 Kings County FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Kings County:

How do I choose a Medi-Cal Health Plan in Kings County?

To enroll in a Health Plan, call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 and enroll on the phone.

Alternatively, you can use the enrollment form that came in the envelope that was mailed to you with your Medi-Cal approval notice.

Note that 15 – 45 days after you enroll, your new Health Plan will send you a membership card.

While you are waiting for the membership card, keep using the doctors and hospitals you use now.

What documents are required when applying for Medi-Cal in Kings County?

When applying for Medi-Cal, present or mail the following items that apply to your situation with your application.

• Social Security and Medicare cards
• Pregnancy verification
• Current Property Tax statement and proof of balance owed
• Car/Truck/Boat Registrations
• All Current Checking and Savings Account Statements
• Stocks or Bonds
• Life Insurance Policies
• Burial Trust Agreements
• Trust Funds
• Trust Deeds
• Unemployment Insurance Verification
• State Disability Income verifications
• Income verifications (check stubs, employer statement, award letters)
• Free Room and Board statement (if applicable)

How do I see a specialist under Medi-Cal?

If you need to see a specialist, your primary care physician (PCP) will refer you.

The services must be approved before you receive them. This is also known as a referral.

However, you do not need a referral for the following:

• PCP visits
• Network Certified Nurse Midwife OB/GYN visits
• Urgent or emergency care visits
• Family planning
• Basic prenatal care from a provider who works with your health plan
• HIV testing and counseling (only minors 12 years or older)
• Treatment for sexually transmitted infections (only minors 12 years or older)

Additionally, minors also do not need a referral for:

• Outpatient mental health for:
  – Sexual or physical abuse
  – When you may hurt yourself or others
• Pregnancy care
• Sexual assault care
• Drug and alcohol abuse treatment

What is the California IHSS Program?

IHSS stands for In-Home Supportive Services.  It is a program that provides those with limited income who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65 with in-home care services to help them remain safely at home.

It is a statewide program in the state of California administered by each county under the direction of the California Department of Social Services.

The IHSS program provides non-medical assistance services.

It is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities.

Who is Eligible for IHSS in California?

To be eligible for IHSS, the person must meet certain requirements, including:

• Be a citizen of the United States or have “qualified immigration” status and physically reside in the United States.
• Be a resident of California
• Live in your own home, such as the family home or your own apartment. (Long-term care facilities and group homes are not considered to be your “own home”)
• Be Medi-Cal eligible
• Be over age 65, blind and/or disabled
• Your doctor or licensed clinical provider must complete the IHSS Health Care Certification (SOC 873) form to certify that you/your family member needs IHSS services to remain safely in the home.

Medi-Cal in Kings County Summary

We hope this post on Medi-Cal in Kings County was helpful.

Questions?

If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Kings 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:

• California Medi-Cal Income Guidelines
• Medi-Cal Phone Number for Customer Service
• California Medi-Cal Eligibility
• Medi-Cal Services in Orange County
• Medi-Cal in San Bernardino County 
• Who is Qualifies for IHSS in California?