Applying for Medi-Cal

If you qualify for Medicaid, it’s time to start your Medi-Cal application. You can begin at any time, and enrollment is open year-round. Visit the Medi-Cal website to get started with your application today.

Medi-Cal application

What do I need to apply?

The application process takes about 30 minutes to complete. Before you get started, it’s helpful to get all the information you need to apply ready. You’ll need:

Social Security numbers, if you have them.
Immigration documents for non-citizens, such as an “A” number, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number or arrival/departure document number.
Employer and income information for everyone in your family. You could use a pay stub or proof of unemployment benefits and your employer’s address.
Federal tax information for the person who files taxes as the head of the household and any dependents claimed on that person’s taxes. If you don’t file taxes, you may still qualify for free or low-cost insurance through Medi-Cal.

Getting started

To get coverage from Aetna Better Health^® of California, you’ll need to apply for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. First, we’ll direct you to Medi-Cal, so you can get started on your application process. You can get started:

Online

Apply for Medi-Cal online at Covered California.

Apply now

In person

You can go to your local county social services office and get personal assistance completing your application.

Find your local office

By mail

You can apply for Medi-Cal by filling out a Single Streamlined Application and mailing it to a local county social services office.

By phone

You can call Covered California at

1-800-300-1508 (TTY: 1-888-889-4500).

Enrolling in a health plan

Once your Medi-Cal application is approved, you will receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC) in about 45 days. Your BIC lets you use many of the Medi-Cal benefits available to you. Within 45 days of receiving your BIC, you’ll get a letter in the mail explaining your health plan options. You can choose Aetna Better Health of California as your health plan within 30 days of receiving your health plan information letter. If you don’t choose a plan within 30 days, Medi-Cal will choose one for you.

Switch to Aetna Better Health

You always have options. If you’re already enrolled in Medi-Cal, you can switch your health plan at any time during the year. You can join Aetna Better Health of California if you live in Sacramento County or San Diego County. Here are a few ways you can change your plan.