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Medi-Cal and County Medical Services Program

Medi-Cal and Welfare fraud reporting provide support with Health Coverage and Care and Financial Assistance for Residents and Non-Citizens.

About this service

Medi-Cal and the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) help people in Marin County get health insurance if they have low income.

  • Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It gives free or low-cost health coverage.
  • CMSP gives short-term health coverage for people who qualify.

Medi-Cal can cover:

  • Doctor visits
  • Dental care
  • Vision care

You can apply at any time during the year.

How to Apply

You can apply in several ways:

Who this service is for

Who Can Get This Help

These programs are for people who:

  • Live in Marin County
  • Need help paying for health care

Medi-Cal Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

To get Medi-Cal, you must:

  • Live in California
  • Meet income rules
  • Meet other requirements (like age or immigration status)

Families and Children

Medi-Cal covers families and children.

You may qualify if:

  • You live in California
  • You share your income information
  • You care for a child under 19 (or under 21 if a full-time student)

Some families can get free or low-cost coverage, depending on income.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Families and Children

  • You must reside in California.
  • You must provide information about your family’s income.
  • You must provide your tax filing information.
  • You must be the parent or caretaker relative of at least one child under the age of 19 (or under 21 if a full-time student).

Income Requirements for Families and Children

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Generally, income limits for families with children are:

  • For children 0 - 1, household income up to 266% of the FPL
  • For children 1 - 6, household income up to 160% of the FPL
  • For children 6 - 19, household income between 161 - 266% of the FPL
  • For adults who are parents or caretakers age 19 - 64, household income up to 138% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Adults (Ages 19–64)

Adults without children may still qualify.

You must:

  • Be 19–64 years old
  • Live in California
  • Meet income rules

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Adults Without Children

  • You must reside in California.
  • You must provide information about your income.
  • You must provide your tax filing information.
  • Be 19 to 64 years old.

Income Requirements for Adults Without Children

Eligibility is based on your income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Generally, income limits for adults without children are:

  • For adults age 19 - 64, household income up to 138% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Pregnant People

If you are pregnant, Medi-Cal can cover your care.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Pregnant People

  • You must be pregnant.
  • You must live in California.
  • You must provide information about your family’s income.
  • You must provide your tax filing information.

Coverage can last through your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Income Requirements for Pregnant People

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Generally, the income limit for pregnant people is:

  • For pregnant adults, household income up to 213% of the FPL
  • For the Medi-Cal Access Program, household income between 214% and 322% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Older Adults and People with Disabilities

Special programs help:

  • People age 65 or older
  • People who are blind
  • People with disabilities

Some programs include:

  • Aged, Blind, and Disabled Federal Poverty Level program
  • 250% Working Disabled Program (WDP)
  • Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver programs

Have you been determined disabled?

Generally, people who have been declared disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may qualify for disability-based Medi-Cal programs. If you have not been declared disabled by the SSA, we can arrange for you to have a disability evaluation with the Disability Determination Service Division – State Programs (DDSD-SP).

Ask your Eligibility Worker about this process.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Older Adults and People with Disabilities Programs

  • You must reside in California.
  • You must provide information about your family’s income.
  • There are additional requirements for each program below.

Aged, Blind, and Disabled Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Program

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled FPL Program

  • You must be aged 65 or older, or
  • You must be blind, or
  • You must be disabled

Income Requirements for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled FPL Program

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Generally, income limits for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled FPL program is:

  • For aged, blind, and disabled adults, household income up to 138% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

250% Working Disabled Program (WDP)

The 250 Percent Working Disabled Program (250% WDP) helps disabled individuals who are working qualify for Medi-Cal without a Share of Cost. Effective July 1, 2022, you do not have to pay a premium for the 250% WDP program.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the 250% Working Disabled Program

  • Be disabled as defined by Social Security Administration (SSA).
  • Provide proof that they are working. You are considered to be working if you are self-employed, or working for a friend, relative, or neighbor.
  • Have a total income that is less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Meet the income rules for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or State Supplementary Payment (SSP) programs.
  • Be a Citizen or have Satisfactory Immigration Status.

Ask your Eligibility Worker about what other types of work you could do to potentially qualify for this program.

Income Requirements for the 250% Working Disabled Program

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Generally, the income limit for the 250% Working Disabled Program is program is:

  • For disabled adults, countable household income up to 250% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Benefits of the 250% WDP

  • This program has a higher income limit than many other Medi-Cal programs.
  • Disability-related income is not counted to qualify for this program. Examples of disability income include Social Security Disability Insurance, State Disability Insurance (SDI), Workers' compensation, private disability benefits, Disabled Widow(er) and Adult Child benefits.
  • Social Security disability income is not counted when you retire and income transitions from Social Security disability income to Social Security retirement income.
  • This program has flexible work requirements with no minimum hours or earnings. You can do any kind of work, like recycling bottles and cans, caring for someone’s pet, or providing childcare for children other than your own.
  • Get access to medical care and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) services without a share of cost, if eligible.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs are for people with disabilities who live at home or in non-medical facilities (like Assisted Living or Board and Care facilities) instead of a nursing home (a.k.a. long-term care facility). HCBS waivers allow the income belonging to the spouse or parent of the waiver person to be exempted or “waived”.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for HCBS Waiver Programs

  • Be eligible to full-scope Medi-Cal.
  • Participate in or request to participate in an HCBS program.
  • The special waiver rules (that exempt the income of your spouse or parent) will apply only if you have too much income for free Medi-Cal (eligible with a Share-of-Cost).

Ask your Eligibility Worker for more information about the different HCBS waiver programs.

Income Requirements for HCBS Waiver Programs

There is no income limit for HCBS waivers programs. Only your income will be used to determine your eligibility and Share-of-Cost if any.

Long-Term Care

Medi-Cal may help pay for care in:

  • Nursing homes
  • Hospitals (long stays)

Long-term care Medi-Cal can cover:

  • Nursing Home and Convalescent Care
  • Comprehensive Preventive Care
  • Primary and Specialty Care
  • Office Visits
  • Vision and Dental Care
  • Mental Health Services
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medicines

You may need to use part of your income to help pay for care.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Long-Term Care Medi-Cal

  • You must live in California.
  • You must provide information about your family’s income and assets. Medi-Cal asset information PDF for more information about assets.
  • You must be receiving or expected to receive care for at least 30 days after the month of admission in a:
    • Hospital
    • Skilled Nursing Facility
    • Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
    • Convalescent Home

Income Requirements for Long-Term Care Medi-Cal

Single Person:

  • There is no income limit, but most of your income will be used to pay the nursing facility where you reside.

Married Persons or Registered Domestic Partner:

  • Special rules may apply that allow the spouse or Registered Domestic Partner at home to keep additional income that belongs to the person in Long-Term Care

Estate Recovery Rules for Long-Term Care Medi-Cal

Estate Recovery rules can applies to individuals who receive Long-Term Care Medi-Cal. Estate Recovery Program information for more information about the Estate Recovery Program

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)

These programs help pay Medicare costs, like:

  • Monthly premiums
  • Deductibles
  • Co-pays
Basic requirements for Medicare Savings Programs:
  • You must live in California
  • You must have Medicare
  • You must meet income limits
There are four Medicare Savings Programs:
  1. Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
  2. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
  3. Qualified Individual (QI-1)
  4. Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

  • Pays your Part A Premium if you are not eligible to free Part A
  • Pays your Part B Premium
  • Pays your deductibles and co-insurance fees

Income Requirements for QMB

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):

  • For individuals with Medicare, countable household income up to 100% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

  • Pays your Part B Premium

Income Requirements for SLMB

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):

  • For individuals with Medicare, countable household income up to 120% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Qualified Individual (QI-1)

  • Pays your Part B Premium

Income Requirements for QI-1

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):

  • For individuals with Medicare, countable household income up to 135% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI)

  • Pays your Part A Premium

Income Requirements for QDWI

Eligibility is based on your family's income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):

  • For individuals with Medicare, countable household income up to 200% of the FPL

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Teen Services (Minor Consent)

Teens under 21 can get private (confidential) care for:

  • Drug and alcohol abuse,
  • Family planning,
  • Outpatient mental health treatment and counseling,
  • Pregnancy/pregnancy related services,
  • Sexual assault, and
  • Sexually transmitted diseases.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Minor Consent Services:

  • You must reside in California
  • Are under age 21,
  • Live with your parent(s)/caretaker, or
  • Live temporarily away from home (i.e. attending school) but your parent(s) or caretaker are legally and financially responsible for you.

You can apply even if you already have Medi-Cal on your parent(s) or caretaker(s) case.

Income Requirements for Minor Consent

Eligibility is based on your income compared to allowable Minor Consent limits:

  • For pregnancy-related services, income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • For all other minor consent services, your Minor Consent may be free if your income is up to $600 per month. If your income is higher than $600, you may have a Share-of-Cost.

2026 Federal Poverty Levels to see the different FPLs for 2026.

Citizenship/Immigration Requirements for Minor Consent

  • You do not need to declare your immigration status.
  • You do not need to give your Social Security number.

How to Apply for Minor Consent

  • Apply in person at any of our offices
  • Apply by phone by calling our Call Center 877-410-8817

Former Foster Youth

If you were in foster care at age 18, you can get free Medi-Cal until age 26, no matter your income.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Former Foster Youth

  • You must reside in California.
  • You must have received Medi-Cal while in Foster Care under the responsibility of any state on your 18th birthday or later.

Income Requirements for Former Foster Youth

Income is not considered to qualify for Former Foster Youth Medi-Cal eligibility.

Citizenship/Immigration Requirements for Former Foster Youth

You may qualify for Full-Scope No-Cost Medi-Cal benefits regardless of your citizenship or immigration status.

Renewal Requirements for Former Foster Youth

Former Foster Youth Medi-Cal eligibility is automatically renewed every year up to your 25th birthday. Annual renewal responsibility will begin three months prior to turning 26.

Incarcerated Individuals

You may apply for Medi-Cal while you are incarcerated in a county or state jail. If you already have Medi-Cal and are incarcerated, your benefits may be suspended.

Special Medi-Cal Programs

There are special Medi-Cal programs for certain health needs, such as:

  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Renal Dialysis, also known as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
  • Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)

Tuberculosis (TB)

This program provides TB services only to eligible adults and children who do not qualify for full scope, zero Share of Cost Medi-Cal.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • You must reside in California
  • You must be within the TB income standard and property limits
  • You must be a Citizen or have Satisfactory Immigration Status

Renal Dialysis/Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

This program covers individuals who need treatment for renal dialysis or Parenteral Hyperalimentation.

There are no income or property limits for these Special Treatment Programs. Instead, beneficiaries must pay a percentage of the cost of each dialysis or TPN service.

Services not related to dialysis or TPN will only be covered if you also qualify for regular Medi-Cal. In this instance, you will have dual eligibility and may have to pay a Share of Cost for services unrelated to dialysis or TPN.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  • You must reside in California

Citizenship/Immigration Requirements

  • If you have Satisfactory Immigration Status, you may be eligible to Full-Scope Benefits.
  • If you have Non-Satisfactory Immigration Status, you may be eligible to Restricted-Scope Benefits.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP)

This program provides Federal and State-funded Medi-Cal benefits for individuals who have been screened by an authorized provider and need treatment for breast and/or cervical cancer.

The Department of Health Care Services will determine if you are eligible for the BCCTP program. Read more information on BCCTP and how to apply

CMSP Eligibility (Who Qualifies)

To get CMSP, you must:

  • Live in Marin County
  • Meet income rules
  • Meet resource rules
  • Be between the ages of 21 and 64
  • Not be eligible for Medi-Cal

Details

Office Locations and Hours

You can visit an office to:

  • Apply for benefits
  • Ask questions
  • Get a new Benefits Identification Card (BIC)
  • Renew your benefits

120 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903

  • Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901

  • Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

1 6th St., Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

  • Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

All offices are closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Mail and Fax

You can send applications or documents by:

Call center and hours

Call 877-410-8817 to:

  • Apply
  • Ask questions
  • Get help

Call Center Hours:

  • Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 7:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
  • Closed Thursday

Online BenefitsCal

You can:

  • Apply for benefits
  • Check your benefits
  • Renew benefits
  • Upload documents
  • Report changes
  • Message your worker
  • Manage your benefits

What You May Need to Provide to Apply

The county may ask for:

  • ID
  • Proof of income
  • Proof you live in California
  • Bank statements or proof of money/assets

If more information is needed, the county will contact you. Check your mail and voice messages.

What Happens After You Apply

  • The county may ask for more information
  • You will get a notice telling you if you qualify
  • If approved, you will get a BIC card. You can use the BIC card at doctor visits.

Get Help with Past Medical Bills

You may be able to get coverage for medical bills from the past (retroactive coverage). Ask your worker about this.

Citizenship/Immigration Requirements for Medi-Cal

  • Beginning January 1, 2026, adults 19 years and older with an unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS), that apply on or after January 1, 2026, will receive restricted Medi-Cal, if eligibility criteria is met.
  • Beneficiaries with UIS who applied for Medi-Cal before January 1, 2026, and were found eligible, will continue receiving Full-Scope Medi-Cal from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. After June 30, 2026, they will transition to Full-Scope Medi-Cal with No Dental. All primary care services and medications will remain covered, except dental services.
  • Children (0–18) and pregnant persons remain eligible to apply for full-scope MC regardless of immigration status.
  • You may be asked to provide proof of your citizenship or immigration when you apply for Medi-Cal.

Renewal Information for Medi-Cal

You must renew Medi-Cal once a year to keep your coverage.

Important Changes (Starting 2026) for Medi-Cal

  • Some adults may only get limited Medi-Cal based on immigration status
  • Asset limits (like savings or property) may be counted again for some people
  • Children and pregnant people can still get full coverage

Information About Managed Care Plans

Do you have questions regarding Medi-Cal Managed Care plans? If you do, the California Health Care Options and Partnership Health Plan (HCO) are here to help!

Estate Recovery

The Medi-Cal program may seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Click the links below for more information:

Additional information

Non-Discrimination Policy

  • You can ask for extra help if you have a physical, mental, or emotional condition
  • This help is called a “reasonable accommodation”
  • Ask by calling 877-410-8817, visiting an office, or messaging message online at BenefitsCal.com
  • The law protects people with disabilities and serious health conditions. You can learn more about your rights under California law by clicking the PUB 13 link in English or PUB 13 link in Spanish

Interpreter Services Available

Free interpreter services are available. Call us at 877-410-8817 for help.

Medi-Cal News

Medi-Cal Expansion Freeze

Starting January 1, 2026, some adults will no longer be able to sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage based on their immigration status.

Who This Applies To

You may be affected if:

  • You are undocumented (you live in the U.S. without legal permission), or
  • You are a lawfully present immigrant who is 19 or older and not pregnant

Important To Know

  • If you already have Medi-Cal, you can stay covered no matter your immigration status.
  • To keep your Medi-Cal, you must:
    • Fill out your renewal form every year
    • Still meet the Medi-Cal rules (like income and living in California)
  • Renew your Medi-Cal on time, if you don't, your Medi-Cal could end.
  • If your Medi-Cal ends, you have 90 days to fix the problem and keep your coverage.

Who can still get full-scope Medi-Cal:

  • Emergency care
  • Pregnancy-related care
  • Nursing home care
If you miss that 90-day window, you won't be able to get full-scope Medi-Cal again. You can only apply for restricted Medi-Cal, which covers:
  • Children under 19
  • Pregnant people
  • You must still meet all Medi-Cal rules, like income and living in California.

Pregnancy coverage lasts through your entire pregnancy and up to one year after it ends.

Asset limits will return in 2026

Asset limits will return in 2026 for some Medi-Cal programs. Not all Medi-Cal programs have an asset test though.

If you apply for Medi-Cal in 2025:
  • Through December 31, 2025, Medi-Cal eligibility is based on income only.
  • You will not be asked about your assets.
  • You do not need to report any assets when you apply for or renew Medi-Cal during this time.
If you apply for or renew Medi-Cal in 2026:
  • If you are age 65 or older, have a disability, need long-term care, or are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules, Medi-Cal will look at both your income and assets when you apply for or renew your coverage.
  • The asset limit is $130,000 for one person. For each additional household member, the limit increases by $65,000, up to 10 members in a household.
  • There may be higher asset limits for some married couples and registered domestic partners (ask your County office about "Spousal Impoverishment" to see if you qualify).
  • If your assets are above the limit, you may not qualify for Medi-Cal unless you lower them.

NOTE: Medi-Cal uses asset limits to help decide if you qualify for coverage. These limits are not the same as the rules for estate recovery. To learn more, visit the Estate Recovery webpage.

Assets

  • You are not required to report assets for Medi-Cal applications or renewals submitted through 2025.
  • Starting January 1, 2026, the following Medi-Cal members and new applicants will need to report asset information:
    • Age (older adults, 65+ years of age)
    • Disability (physical, mental, or developmental)
    • Long-term care needs
    • Are in a family that makes too much money to qualify under federal tax rules
  • Assets include:
    • Bank accounts
    • Cash
    • Property
    • Vehicles
  • Some assets don't count, like the home you live in, one vehicle, household items, and certain savings, like retirement accounts. Click here for more information about assets.

I Already Have Medi-Cal

  • You do not need to report assets during your 2025 renewal.
  • Starting in 2026, certain members' assets will be reviewed during renewal.
  • Tools and information will be provided to help you report correctly and stay covered.

For more information about upcoming changes to the Medi-Cal program, please visit the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) website at: Medi-Cal Changes 2026-2028

Frequently Asked Questions

I got a letter stating my Medi-Cal was ending because I didn't provide my renewal paperwork. Can I still get Medi-Cal?

If your Medi-Cal stops, you have 90 days to fix the problem and keep your coverage.

What is a Share of Cost?

If your family’s income is above the income limits for the appropriate family size, you may be eligible to Medi-Cal with a Share of Cost. A Share of Cost is the amount of money you pay each month before Medi-Cal can be billed for services.

What services does Medi-Cal cover?

Visit Medi-Cal Covered Benefits for a list of Essential Health Benefits covered by Medi-Cal.

Does Medi-Cal cover dental services?

Visit Medi-Cal Dental Program for information about the Medi-Cal Dental Services available to you.

I lost my Medi-Cal card. How can I replace it?

You can request a replacement Medi-Cal card, also known as the Benefit Identification Card (or BIC) by calling our Call Center at 877-410-8817 or visiting BenefitsCal.com

How much do I have to pay for long-term care?

If you are a single person in skilled nursing, you may keep $35 from your income for personal expenses plus any Medicare or insurance premiums (medical, dental, etc.) The remainder of your income will be used to pay the nursing home or Long-Term Care facility.

If you are married or in a registered domestic partnership and are in skilled nursing while your spouse/RDP lives at home, you can give some or all your income to your spouse or Registered Domestic Partner at home and still qualify for Long-Term Care Medi-Cal services. The amount you can designate depends on the income of your spouse or Registered Domestic Partner.

Can I receive Long-Term Care Medi-Cal if I have other health insurance?

Yes.

What does it mean for someone’s Medi-Cal to be suspended?

If someone is receiving Medi-Cal and become incarcerated, their Medi-Cal benefits will be suspended, but not discontinued, for the duration of their incarceration. Suspension ends on the date the Medi-Cal beneficiary is no longer an inmate of a public institution.

Related

Page last updated on Mayo 7, 2026.

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