San Diego residents may be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage

SAN DIEGO – Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, more San Diego residents will be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage, regardless of their immigration status, the County announced. The new state law expands eligibility to adults ages 26 to 49.

“The Medi-Cal expansion is a big win for San Diegans,” said Rick Wanne, Director of Self-Sufficiency Services for the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. “This coverage will help ensure that everyone has access to the health care they need to stay healthy and thriving.”

The Medi-Cal expansion is expected to benefit about 100,000 people in San Diego County. New beneficiaries will be able to access a wide range of medical services, including:

• Doctor visits
• Prescription drugs
• Immunizations
• Mental health care
• Substance abuse care
• Vision care/glasses
• Dental care
• Emergency services
• Referrals to specialists

To apply for Medi-Cal, residents can visit Benefitscal.com or SanDiegoCounty.gov/Medi-Cal. People with restricted Medi-Cal, which only covers emergency services, can also receive comprehensive services. Those with restricted Medi-Cal will automatically receive a letter in the mail about their eligibility for full-scope Medi-Cal.

Applicants are urged to beware of scams. Medi-Cal will never require payment to submit a renewal or application. Anyone who receives a call asking for payment to apply or renew is asked to report it by calling the Medi-Cal fraud hotline at 1-800-822-6222.