Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost coverage for children under age 19.
Go to Shop and Compare to see if you qualify, or apply now.
Enjoy free services, like well-baby visits and checkups.
Ambulance and emergency room services.
Doctor visits for sickness, injuries or other concerns.
Teeth cleanings, fillings, eye exams and glasses.
Low-cost or free prescriptions.
Counseling and treatment are covered.
In many families, parents qualify for Covered California while the kids are eligible for another program.
Many parents who are eligible for a health plan with financial help through Covered California will find out their children qualify for Medi-Cal. Sometimes these parents want to decline Medi-Cal and add those children to their Covered California plan. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option.
Parents who decline Medi-Cal enrollment for their child will continue to qualify for financial help for their health plan, but children can only be enrolled in a separate, full-cost (unsubsidized) plan through Covered California.
In San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, parents who qualify for a health plan and financial help through Covered California may be told that their children qualify for another program called CCHIP. As with Medi-Cal, sometimes parents want to decline CCHIP and add those children to the Covered California plan, but unfortunately, they are unable to.
Parents who decline CCHIP enrollment for their child will continue to qualify for financial help for their health plan, but children can only be enrolled in a separate, full-cost (unsubsidized) plan through Covered California.
If you have questions about CCHIP enrollment, call (833) 912-2447.