About us
We are a non-profit organization whose advocacy is to ensure consistent and maximized federal funding for California residents through the Medi-Cal program.
3 Main Medi-Cal Benefits You Need to Know
Caring for California residents for five decades, Medi-Cal is a health care program that provides free or affordable medical coverage for children, adults, and senior citizens who have low incomes and limited resources.
Essential health benefits
If you or a loved one is eligible for this health care program in California, you can enjoy a range of services in accordance with the Affordable Care Act that enjoins all Medi-Cal plans to provide the essential health benefits, including these general services:
- Laboratory services
- Outpatient services
- Hospitalization
- Emergency services
- Prescription drugs
- Care for pregnant woman and newborns – including baby products (ex: diapers, baby wipes)
- Vision and oral health care for children
- Behavioral treatment and other substance abuse disorder and mental health services
- Management of chronic diseases
- Occupational and physical therapy
Eye care benefits
For patients with full Medi-Cal benefits, vision benefits are included.
- Medi-Cal members can avail of a routine eye exam every other year, including eyeglass prescription testing.
- Coverage for frames and lenses are given only to nursing home patients and Medi-Cal members below 21 years old.
- Patients with impaired vision that cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses (or surgery or contact lenses) can avail of low-vision testing. Those whose eye health problems hinder their ability to do their day-to-day tasks, especially the elderly with age-related macular degeneration, can enjoy this benefit as well.
- If an eye condition or health issue obstructs the use of glasses, Medi-Cal may cover contact lens testing.
- For patients who have lost their eyes to an injury or disease, they can avail of artificial eye services and materials.
Dental benefits
Available for children and adults, the dental benefits cover the following services:
- Cleanings
- Fillings
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays and exams
- Full dentures
- Prefabricated crowns
- Root canals for the front teeth
- Tooth decay treatment with home remedies, remineralize cavities and repair teeth naturally.
- Other needed dental services
For an appointment, contact a Med-Cal health care provider, which you can find by checking the online directory of the California Department of Health Care Services website.
Who can become a Medi-Cal Beneficiary? A Guide for California Residents
Are you wondering who can get Medi-Cal benefits? In general, Medi-Cal is a program that is intended for families with children, adults with low income, pregnant women, people with disabilities, elderly, former foster youth (up to 26 years old), and children in foster care.
But even though you have a house, a spouse, and a job, you may qualify for Medi-Cal services. Before you apply for one, you have to check first if you are eligible. Here are the categories identified as eligible patients under the Medi-Cal program:
Public assistance groups
- Seniors aged 65 and above and persons with disability who get Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment programs
- People who get California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
- California residents who are beneficiaries of other kinds of public assistance programs
Medically needy groups
- Seniors aged 65 and above and persons with disability
- California residents who meet the requirements for CalWORKS, e.g., children under 21 who are not supported by at least one parent because of death, absence, incapacity, and other reasons
Medically indigent groups
- Adults aged 21 to 65 who are in a nursing care facility
- Pregnant women without connection to a public assistance program
- Children under 21, including kids in foster care
- Children who qualify for the State-only Aid for Adoption Assistance Program
Special programs
- Children aged 1 to 18
- Children under age 21 who receive assistance from the Former Foster Child Program
- Pregnant women who cannot afford the cost of health care for themselves and their unborn child
- Refugees who are not eligible for the medically needy or medically indigent programs
- Non-U.S. citizens who are victims of human trafficking and other serious crimes
- People under the age of 21, unmarried, and living with parents can avail of confidential medical services relating to pregnancy, family planning, drug abuse, mental health, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual assault.
- People who need parenteral hyperalimentation services or dialysis treatment
- Immigrants who satisfy all Medi-Cal eligibility requirements
For more information regarding your eligibility, you can contact your county eligibility worker.
How to Apply for Medi-Cal Program: A Guide for Health Care in California
Looking for information on Medi-Cal application procedures? You can apply personally in the social services office of your county or in a hospital or health clinic where Medi-Cal county eligibility workers are based.
Typically, here are the steps you need to take to apply for the Medi-Cal program:
1. Get a Medi-Cal application.
Contact or visit the social services office of your county to request for sending a Medi-Cal application to your home address. If you have an urgent need or medical emergency, you will have to fill out the form and bring it to the nearest social services office in your county. Inform the office that you are in need of immediate medical attention. Your Medi-Cal application will then be processed as soon as possible.
2. Complete the application form.
Make sure you answer all entries and check out the list of required documents for Medi-Cal applications.
3. Request for a Medi-Cal retroactive coverage.
This step is applicable to if you have unpaid medical bills within 3 months before you apply for Medi-Cal, and you need funding assistance for those bills. If you have paid the bills already, you can ask for reimbursement.
4. Send the completed application form and required documents.
You can do so personally or via mail to the county social services office.
5. Wait for your Medi-Cal application processing to be completed.
It may take a maximum of 45 days to process your application. It may take longer (90 days) if your Medi-Cal application is based on disability.
6. You will receive the results of your application via mail.
The letter will inform you whether your Medi-Cal application is approved or declined. However, if you have not received a feedback about your application after 45 days, contact the county social services office.
If you need more information regarding Medi-Cal applications, call the social services office in your county.
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Diabetes Prevention Tips: How to Reduce Your Risk
Diabetes is a growing problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 29 million Americans have diabetes, and 86 million more are pre-diabetic. Diabetes can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetes Prevention Tips
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
- Exercise regularly: Getting regular exercise can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar levels, and improve your insulin sensitivity.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for diabetes, so quitting can help reduce your risk.
- Manage your stress levels: Stress can increase your blood sugar levels, so managing your stress can help you keep your blood sugar in check.
The symptoms of diabetes can be difficult to manage. In addition, the disease is becoming more common among ethnic minorities and women in California; this trend should not go unnoticed by healthcare providers!
The major risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure (hypertension), obesity/weight gain caused primarily through consumption excessive calories which leads into Kidney Failure or Amputations if left unchecked.. One out six adult californians aged 65 plus have type two DM while 2 million adults statewide report having been diagnosed with it making up 1 out 12 citizens here-a serious matter indeed
The California Department of Public Health strives to ensure that all Californians have the opportunity for a healthy life by promoting physical activity, smoking cessation programs and nutritious food options. To achieve this goal they are working on creating statewide networks dedicated towards preventing type 2 diabetes through evidence-based lifestyle change initiatives which include things like increasing exercise or decreasing calories intake among other techniques.
Heart Disease Prevention: How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Every year, Heart disease kills more people than cancer. That is why it is so important to learn how to keep your heart healthy. There are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for preventing heart disease.
The sad reality is that one out of three California residents will die from cardiovascular disease. In 2014, there were 78 000 deaths due to CVD in the state which makes it a major cause for concern among public health officials who are working hard on many initiatives and activities designed specifically towards improving this alarming statistic.
Heart Disease Prevention Tips:
Here are some tips on how to remain heart healthy and prevent a number of health conditions.
- Monitor your blood pressure levels closely, as high readings can lead you into serious danger
- Stock up with medications and medical supplies so that if an emergency arises they will be there for when it’s needed most
- Wash hands frequently
- Clean/disinfect surfaces around the house
- Stay home as much as possible
- Keep space between yourself & others
To reduce your risk of heart disease, it’s important to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining an exercise routine is one way you can do this! The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week (or 60 minute sessions 3-5 times each) spent doing something like walking or cycling every day with additional time reserved for outdoor activities such as taking walks outside work hours when possible.
This will help keep blood flowing properly while also lowering stress levels which have been linked to increased inflammation within our bodies—a major trigger behind chronic illnesses including cancer along side other diseases from diabetes.
Final Thoughts
Heart disease is a serious problem in the United States, but it is preventable. By following the tips listed above, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you have any questions about how to prevent heart disease, please speak with your doctor or healthcare provider. Thanks for reading!
We hope you found this
Healthcare Coverage in California: A Comprehensive Overview
If you are a resident of California, it is important to be aware of the healthcare coverage options available to you. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of coverage available in the Golden State. We will also discuss the eligibility requirements for each type of coverage, and highlight some of the benefits and drawbacks of each option. So whether you are uninsured and looking for coverage, or you are simply trying to learn more about your options, this blog post is for you!
California has three main types of healthcare coverage. They are private insurance plans, government-sponsored programs like Medicare and Medi-Cal as well as HMOs or “health maintenance organizations” which provide preventive care at low cost but limit access to emergency services unless you pay extra for them
The following list includes all these options along with their regulating agency so that you can find out more information if necessary!
Health Insurance Policies
Health insurance is a great way to protect yourself from the cost of medical care. It can cover everything from routine visits, emergencies and hospitalization if you need it! However there are two types: group policies which may be purchased by employers or associations such as AARP; individual/family plans where consumers buy their own coverage but could face higher monthly premiums because they’re not covered by an employer’s program.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Managed Care Plans
Health plans can be purchased either as “group” or individual/family policies, with the different types being governed by laws in California. For more information about these options visit the DMHC web page: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov/
Self Insured Health Plans
If you’re an employee of a company that has its own health insurance, then it’s important to know the differences between self-insured and other types. Self-insured plans do not have minimum coverages like hospitalization or major surgery; they also can refuse payments for services rendered if there is no profit margin available (this includes dental). The best way? Consult with HR about what kind would work well based on your needs before signing anything!
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is a great way to get healthcare coverage without paying for it yourself. This state program covers lower income people in California, including families and single adults who cannot afford private insurance or out of pocket costs like deductibles that might be required if they need major medical treatment (which we all know can happen at any time). The Medi-Cal care organizations provide this benefit through managed care plans which cover not only procedures but also office visits with doctors as well! You don’t have pay anything extra – instead getting covered by an organization just makes sense since you’re already receiving their service freebie.
Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP)
Middle-income pregnant women who are not covered by insurance or receiving public assistance can get quality healthcare services through MCAP. This program provides low cost health coverage with no deductibles, co payments that meet certain guidelines for income level eligibility requirements to apply
The Middle Class Access Plan (MCAP) was founded in 1996 because we believe everyone should have access affordable preventive care at least once during their lifetime whether they’re working full time versus juggling three jobs just trying make ends meet; graduates college then helping out around the house while also doing some casual laboring on weekends.