Apply for Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is the name of California's Medicare program. Over 5 million people in California (16% of people in Caliornia) are already enrolled and get free or discounted health insurance for your family. Although there are strict eligibility requirements, it is very easy to apply for Medi-Cal and see if you are eligible because it is the social worker who determines your eligibility.
Instructions
1. Call or visit your local county social services agency. All applications for Medi-Cal are processed by social workers at the county level. Your assigned social worker will determine eligibility, which can be a very complex process for the social worker.
2. Assemble paper proof of income and property eligibility for Medi-Cal. Some documentation that may be required by your social worker include tax returns and paystubs. As far as property, if you live in a house you own, it will not count against you in eligibility for Medi-Cal.
3. If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you will receive an enrollment packet to choose the Medi-Cal health plan you want to enroll in.
4. Apply for Medicare. Many people who apply for Medi-Cal and get accepted are also eligible for Medicare. Eligibility for both gives you a "dual-eligible" status that gives you free health insurance with zero copays. You can get assistance from your county social worker in determining eligibility for Medicare as well as Medi-Cal.
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