Patient Resources
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
Applying is free, you can do it any time of year, and you do not have to figure it out alone: our team helps patients apply, start to finish.
Written by the Health Service Alliance care team. Updated July 2026.
What Medi-Cal is
Medi-Cal is California health coverage for people and families with limited income. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health care, and more, at little or no cost. Eligibility is based mostly on household size and income, and the limits update every year.
The four ways to apply
- Online at benefitscal.com, the official state application site
- By phone or in person through the San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department
- Through Covered California at coveredca.com, which routes you to Medi-Cal automatically if you qualify
- With our help: bring your documents to any of our six centers and our team walks you through the application at no cost
Get Help
What do you need today?
A few quick taps, completely confidential. Answer right here on the page.
What to have ready
- Proof of identity for the people applying
- Proof of income: recent pay stubs, or tax return if self-employed
- Proof of California residence, like a utility bill or lease
- Immigration documents if applicable; many statuses qualify, and children often qualify regardless
- Social Security numbers for household members who have them
What happens after you apply
The county reviews your application and mails you a decision; many applications are decided within 45 days. If approved, you choose a health plan and a primary care provider. You can choose Health Service Alliance as your medical home at that step, or switch to us later.
If something is missing, the county sends a letter asking for it. Do not ignore county mail: most denials are for missing paperwork, not actual ineligibility, and our team can help you respond.
We will do this with you
Bring what you have to any center and tell the front desk you want help applying for Medi-Cal. No appointment needed for the conversation, no charge, and no judgment if your situation is complicated. Complicated situations are our specialty.
We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and most plans
No insurance, or not sure what you have? You are still welcome, and our team helps you apply for Medi-Cal.
Sliding-fee scale available based on household income.
- Medi-Cal and Medicare welcomeAlong with IEHP and most major plans.
- Free coverage checkWe call you back with a clear answer.
- Sliding-fee scaleCosts adjusted to your income when you are uninsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Anything else? Call us, day or night.
Does applying cost anything?
No. Applying for Medi-Cal is always free, and so is our help with it. Anyone charging a fee to submit a Medi-Cal application is someone to walk away from.
I applied before and was denied. Should I try again?
Often yes. Income limits change yearly, household situations change, and many past denials were paperwork issues. Bring your denial letter and we will look at it with you.
Can I be seen before my Medi-Cal is approved?
Yes. Our sliding-fee discount covers you in the meantime, and nobody is turned away for inability to pay.
Your family deserves good care, close to home.
Request an appointment or check your coverage. Medi-Cal and most plans accepted, and nobody is turned away for inability to pay.