Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families in the state. It covers a wide range of medical services, from preventive care to hospital stays. The program is administered by the California Department of Health Care Services.

Eligibility: 

Medi-Cal is available to low-income adults, families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children in foster care. Eligibility is based on income and family size. It serves a large portion of California’s population, with over 15 million enrollees.

Services covered: 

Medi-Cal provides comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, dental care, mental health services, prescription drugs, vision care, and long-term care services.

Expansion under the Affordable Care Act: 

In 2014, Medi-Cal expanded to cover more low-income adults under 65 without children.

Managed Care: 

Most Medi-Cal beneficiaries receive their care through managed care plans, which coordinate health services through a network of providers.

Funding: 

Medi-Cal is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

Special programs: 

Medi-Cal includes specialized programs for specific populations, such as the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program and the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program.

Application process: 

Individuals can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a county office.

Cost:

Most Medi-Cal services are provided at no cost to the beneficiary, though some beneficiaries may have a small co-pay for certain services.

What’s the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

Scope: 

Medicaid is a national program, while Medi-Cal operates only in California.

Administration: 

Medicaid is jointly managed by federal and state governments. Medi-Cal is California’s version, run by the state’s Department of Health Care Services.

Funding: 

Both are funded by federal and state governments, but Medi-Cal’s funding structure is specific to California.

Eligibility and benefits: 

While following federal guidelines, Medi-Cal has California-specific eligibility criteria and covered services.

“Medi-Cal” is California’s unique branding for its Medicaid program. In essence, Medi-Cal is California’s implementation of the broader Medicaid program, customized to meet the state’s particular healthcare needs and demographics.