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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles County – including who is eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal income limits, how to apply for benefits, Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) contact information, and Medi-Cal providers in Los Angeles County, including L. A. Care Health 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 Los Angeles County.
Additionally, we will provide DPSS contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County, including what Medi-Cal covers.
Table of Contents:
- What is Medi-Cal
- What services are covered by Medi-Cal?
- Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County
- Medi-Cal Expansion in California
- Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?
- Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Income Limits
- How to Apply for California Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County
- Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
- Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Office Locations
- Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Phone Number
- Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Los Angeles County
- Medi-Cal Providers in Los Angeles County, California
- Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County
In Los Angeles County, the Medi-Cal program is managed by the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).
In addition to Medi-Cal benefits, the DPSS also handles CalFresh, CalWORKs, and General Relief applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Los Angeles County Residents to apply for and to view their benefits online.
Continue reading below for BenefitsCal account information.
The video below from the LA DPSS does a great job of summarizing the Medi-Cal benefits and specifically, Medi-Cal in LA County.
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
Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Income Limits
The Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County
There are three ways to apply for Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County:
- Online at BenefitsCal.
- Online through Covered California, at or by calling 1-800-300-1506.
- You can apply by phone. Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) at (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed to you.
- Apply in person at one of the DPSS office locations listed below.
Apply for and Manage Medi-Cal Benefits Online
The BenefitsCal website is a fast, easy way for Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Office Locations
Applications for the Medi-Cal Program can be completed in person at a DPSS 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 DPSS office locations in Los Angeles County:
Belvedere
5445 Whittier Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(866) 613-3777
Civic Center
813 E. 4th Pl.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(866) 613-3777
Compton
211 E. Alondra Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
(866) 613-3777
East Valley
7555 Van Nuys Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91405
(866) 613-3777
El Monte
3350 Aerojet Ave.
El Monte, CA 91731
(866) 613-3777
Florence
1740 E. Gage Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(866) 613-3777
Glendale
4680 San Fernando Rd.
Glendale, CA 91204
(866) 613-3777
Lancaster
349-B E. Ave. K-6
Lancaster, CA 93535
(866) 613-3777
Lancaster Sub Office
67 ADDRESS 337 E. Ave. K-10
Lancaster, CA 93535
(866) 613-3777 Programs
Lincoln Heights Sub Office
4077 N. Mission Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(866) 613-3777
Metro East
2855 E. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
(866) 613-3777
Metro Family
2615 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(866) 613-3777
Metro North
2601 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(866) 613-3777
Metro Special
2707 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(866) 613-3777
Norwalk
12727 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
(866) 613-3777
Pasadena
955 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
(866) 613-3777
Pomona
2040 W. Holt Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
(866) 613-3777
Rancho Park
11110 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(866) 613-3777
San Fernando Sub Office
9188 Glenoaks Blvd.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(866) 613-3777
San Gabriel Valley
3352 Aerojet Ave.
El Monte, CA 91731
(866) 613-3777
Santa Clarita Sub Office
27233 Camp Plenty Rd.
Canyon Country, CA 91351
(866) 613-3777
South Central
10728 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90059
(866) 613-3777
South Family
17600 A Santa Fe Ave.
East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
(866) 613-3777
South Special
17600 B Santa Fe Ave.
East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
(866) 613-3777
Southwest Special
1819 Charlie Sifford Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90047
(866) 613-3777
West Valley
21415-21615 Plummer St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(866) 613-3777
Wilshire Special
2415 W. 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(866) 613-3777
Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Phone Number
Here’s the phone number to call to speak to a live person regarding Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County:
Call the DPSS Customer Service Center at one of the following numbers:
Toll-Free (866) 613-3777
Local Numbers
(310) 258-7400
(626) 569-1399
(818) 701-8200
Hours of Operation — excluding holidays:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday from 8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County, California.
| Plan Name | Phone Number |
| Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. | (800) 675-6110 TTY/TDD (800) 431-0964 |
| L. A. Care Health Plan | (888) 839-9909 TTY/TDD (866) 522-2731 |
| Specialty Health Plan | |
| AltaMed (PACE) | (877) 462-2582 TTY/TDD (800) 889-7862 |
| Brandman Centers for Senior Care | (855) 774-8444 TTY/TDD (818) 774-3194 |
| LA Coast PACE | 800-734-8041TTY 800-735-2922 |
| Pacific PACE | 800-851-0966 TTY 800-735-2922 |
| Positive Healthcare | (800) 263-0067 TTY/TDD (800) 735-2929 |
| SCAN Health Plan | (877) 452-5898 TTY/TDD (800) 735-2929 |
Medi-Cal Providers in Los Angeles 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 in Los Angeles County FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County:
What does Medi-Cal cover?
When you are approved for Medi-Cal, you will receive free or low-cost health coverage through a commercial or public insurance plan.
The specific benefits you receive from your plan may vary.
However, by law, each plan has to provide the 10 “essential health benefits” required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA):
The 10 essential Medi-Cal benefits you will receive from your health plan are:
- Preventive care, chronic disease management and wellness services
- Prescription drugs
- Outpatient services
- Behavioral health services
- Children’s services, including vision and oral care
- Maternity and newborn care
- Laboratory services
- Hospital stays
- Emergency services
- Physical and occupational therapy and related devices
Additionally, under Medi-Cal, a member may have full-scope or partial-scope coverage.
Full-scope coverage involves all Medi-Cal coverage, while partial-scope coverage includes some services.
Can Immigrants get Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County?
Yes. Adults under the age of 26 are eligible for Full-Scope Medi-Cal benefits regardless of their immigration status.
Adults over 26 years of age can get Medi-Cal depending on their immigration status. Here’s what you need to know:
| Immigration Status and Medi-Cal Benefits for Adults Over the Age of 26 | |
| Immigration Status: | You may be eligible to: |
| Satisfactory Immigration Status | Full Scope Benefits |
| Non-Satisfactory Immigration Status | Restricted Scope Benefits |
What are Medi-Cal Eligibility Rules for Adults without Children?
Here are the Basic Medi-Cal eligibility requirements in Los Angeles County for Adults without Children:
- You must reside in California.
- You must provide information about your income and verification of other necessary information if requested.
- If you file income taxes, then you must declare your tax filing status, however, it is not required that you file taxes to apply for Medi-Cal.
- Be 19 to 64 years old.
- Meet the income requirements below:
Los Angeles County Medi-Cal Income Limits (Adults without Children)
| Family Size | 138% Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20,121 |
| 2 | 27,214 |
| 2 Adults | 27,214 |
| 3 | 34,307 |
| 4 | 41,400 |
| 5 | 48,494 |
| 6 | 55,587 |
| 7 | 62,680 |
| 8 | 69,773 |
| 9 | 76,866 |
| 10 | 83,960 |
| 11 | 91,053 |
| 12 | 98,146 |
| Each Additional Person | Add 7,094 |
What is Medi-Cal’s Share of Cost?
If you make too much money to qualify for free Medi-Cal, you will have a Share of Cost payment.
A Share of Cost (also referred to as a SOC) is the amount of money an individual is responsible to pay towards their medical-related services, supplies, or equipment before Medi-Cal will begin to pay.
You only pay your Share of Cost in the month(s) you receive medical-related services, supplies, or equipment, including prescriptions and In-Home Supportive
Services.
After you meet your Share of Cost, Medi-Cal pays for your care for the rest of that month.
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 if I am not happy with my Medi-Cal health plan?
If you are not satisfied with your Medi-Cal health plan services, you have the right to:
- Change your health plan (see instructions below)
- File a complaint or grievance with your health plan
- Report the problem to the California Department of Health Care Services State Ombudsman
- Report the problem to the California Department of Managed Health Care Office of Patient Advocacy
- Ask for a State Fair Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
Can I Change my Medi-Cal Health Plan?
Yes. If you are in a Medi-Cal health plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan.
Here’s how:
Call Health Care Options (HCO), toll-free, at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077).
They are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, except on holidays.
Alternatively, you can visit an HCO presentation site for help changing your health plan.
Also, you may also complete and mail an Enrollment Choice Form to Health Care Options.
To download an enrollment form, click here and select your county of residence.
Is L.A. Care Medi-Cal?
L.A. Care offers high-quality, affordable health coverage to Los Angeles County residents, including Medi-Cal recipients.
Once you are approved for Medi-Cal in Los Angeles county, you can choose L.A. Care as your health plan.
When you join L.A. Care, you can choose to get your health care from L.A. Care or one of the other excellent Plan Partners they with to provide Medi-Cal coverage in L.A. County.
These include Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, and Kaiser Permanente.
What is IHSS?
IHSS stands for In-Home Supportive Services.
It is a program that provides 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.
If you sign up for IHSS, you become a recipient and work with providers that help throughout your day.
For more on the IHSS program, see our California IHSS Guide and how to become an IHSS provider.
To learn about IHSS pay, see the Los Angeles IHSS Provider Salary Guide.
Can I get Non-emergency medical transportation in Los Angeles?
Yes, As a Medi-Cal beneficiary in Los Angeles County, you are able to non-emergency transportation services to see your health care provider and to obtain medically necessary covered services at no cost.
You can use this service to:
- Your doctor.
- Your dentist.
- A counselor.
- The pharmacy, to pick up medicine.
- Pick up durable medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker.
- Ongoing care, such as dialysis.
- Your home from the hospital.
To schedule a ride, our article on Los Angeles Non-Medical Transportation Providers.
Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County Summary
We hope this post on Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Medi-Cal in Los Angeles 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:
