Editing How to Apply for Medi Cal (section)

== Application Process and Timeline ==
Once you submit your application, it goes through a '''review process''' at the county level. Here are the typical steps, from submission to enrollment:

# '''Submit Your Application:''' Complete all required sections of the application and submit it via your chosen method (online, mail, phone, or in person). The county will receive your application and begin processing it. (If you applied through Covered California, it first checks if you '''appear''' eligible for Medi-Cal, then transfers your case to the county.)
# '''Initial Eligibility Review:''' The county social services agency will evaluate your information. In many cases, you will receive a '''“Notification of Likely Eligibility”''' by mail soon after applying. This is a preliminary notice indicating whether you are likely eligible for Medi-Cal or if you might be referred to other programs. This notice is not final approval, but a good sign that things are moving.
# '''Follow-Up for Verification:''' If any additional information or verification is needed, a county eligibility worker may reach out to you by mail or phone. For example, if something couldn’t be verified electronically (such as unclear income data or citizenship status), they will send you a written request for '''specific documents''' or details. Be sure to respond to any such requests as soon as possible. You can submit extra documents in person, by mail, or sometimes via an online portal or email – the notice will include instructions. This step is basically to '''confirm your eligibility''' with proper documentation.
# '''Final Determination:''' After reviewing all required information, the county will make a final eligibility decision. You will then receive a formal '''Notice of Action''' letter informing you whether you have been approved for Medi-Cal (or denied). If approved, the notice will list who in your household is eligible and for what type of Medi-Cal coverage. If denied, the notice will explain the reason and provide information on how to appeal or get other coverage (e.g. through Covered California).
# '''Receive Your Benefits Card:''' Upon approval, each person approved for Medi-Cal will be issued a '''Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC)''', which is the plastic ID card used when you go to the doctor or pharmacy. This card is mailed to you, typically within a couple of weeks after approval. '''Using Your Coverage:''' Keep this card safe – you will need to show it to healthcare providers to prove you have Medi-Cal. Coverage usually '''begins retroactively to the 1st day of the month''' in which you applied (once approved), so any medical expenses from that date forward should be covered.

[[File:Apple for medi cal.png|thumb]]
''Example of a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC). New enrollees will receive a card like this by mail after approval, which they can use to access services''.

'''Choosing a Health Plan:''' In most California counties, Medi-Cal is provided through managed care plans. Shortly after approval, you will be asked to '''choose a Medi-Cal managed care plan''' available in your county (such as Anthem, Blue Cross, Kaiser, Health Net, etc., depending on where you live). You’ll get information about the plans and a deadline (usually 30 days) to choose one. If you don’t choose by the deadline, one will be assigned to you automatically. (A few counties still offer an option to remain in “fee-for-service” Medi-Cal, but most require plan enrollment.) You will receive a separate welcome packet and insurance card from the health plan you enroll in, but you should '''always keep your Medi-Cal BIC''' as well.

'''How long does approval take?''' The Medi-Cal application process can take some time, so plan accordingly. '''Typically, it takes up to 45 days''' from the date the county receives your complete application to process it and send you a final decision. Many applications are processed faster, but 45 days is the standard allowable timeframe. If you are applying on the basis of a '''disability''', it could take up to '''90 days''' because of the extra steps to verify disability status. You should receive either your approval notice or a request for more information within this window. If '''45 days pass''' and you haven’t heard anything, it’s a good idea to follow up with the county (see “Checking Your Application Status” below).

'''Interim coverage if you have urgent needs:''' If you need medical care ''while your application is pending'', there are options to get temporary coverage. Hospitals and certain clinics can provide '''Presumptive Eligibility''' Medi-Cal (immediate, short-term coverage) if you appear eligible, especially for pregnant individuals and children. Also, county offices can issue a temporary paper Medi-Cal card or number once you’re found likely eligible, so you can visit a doctor or pharmacy before your BIC arrives. Don’t hesitate to mention any urgent medical needs (such as pregnancy, ongoing prescriptions, or a scheduled surgery) to the county worker – they can expedite your case or provide guidance to ensure you get care. And remember, once approved, Medi-Cal will cover '''retroactively''' to the application month, so you can potentially get reimbursed for covered services incurred during the waiting period.