Medi-Cal Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, a public health insurance program for certain individuals and families with low income. Medi-Cal members include:
- Families with children
- Seniors
- People with disabilities
- Pregnant women
- Children in foster care
How does Medi-Cal verify income?
Your income can be verified through a mix of ways, including:
- Federal and state databases
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Employer verification
- Bank statements
- Other income documents, such as Social Security and unemployment benefits statements
Can I still see my regular doctor with Medi-Cal?
Yes, you can see them if they are part of our growing network of more than 7,000 doctors. If your doctor is not in the network, you can keep seeing them for a period of time if they agree to work with Medi-Cal.Where can I see a list of Medi-Cal doctors near me?
Use our Find a Doctor search tool to see doctors who accept Medi-Cal members and their locations.
Who do I call if I lost my Medi-Cal card?
If you lost your CalOptima Health Medi-Cal member ID and need to replace it, call CalOptima Health Customer Service toll-free at 1-888-587-8088 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We have staff who speak your language.
What is the max income to qualify for Medi-Cal?
The maximum income limit for Medi-Cal depends on your household size, age, if you have a disability and other details. For more info, visit your local SSA office or call SSA at 1-800-281-9799, Monday–Friday, from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. You can also view the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) income chart for Medi-Cal.How do I submit my Medi-Cal application?
You have many ways to get help and enroll in our Medi-Cal plan, such as:
- Submitting your application online or by mail
- Connecting with the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) in person or by phone
- Talking to a Medi-Cal enrollment navigator through some of our community partners
Who can I call if I am experiencing a mental health crisis
If you or someone you know is having a life-threatening mental health crisis, call 911. You can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the NAMI OC Warmline at 1-714-991-6412. These lines are staffed by experts who are on hand 24/7 to offer support and link you to local resources.What does Medi-Cal cover?
CalOptima Health Medi-Cal covers many health services at little to no cost, such as:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Medicine
- Mental health services
- Vision Care
- Transportation
- Long-term care
Is there a Medi-Cal phone number I can call?
For questions about Medi-Cal, you can call the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) at 1-800-281-9799, Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. You can also visit one of SSA’s local offices to see if you qualify for Medi-Cal and for help with your application.What is a mental health crisis?
When your mental health symptoms seem too much to handle and lead to strong emotional distress, you could be having a mental health crisis. This could involve thoughts of self-harm or suicide, high anxiety, panic attacks or a sudden change in behavior.What are signs that someone might be dealing with a mental health crisis?
Signs of a mental health crisis can differ but may involve changes in mood, behavior or personality, such as:
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Increased irritability or sadness
- Excessive worry
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms like unexplained aches and pains can also be a sign of a mental health condition.
What is mental health counseling?
Mental health counseling is a form of therapy that can help you handle emotional, psychological and behavioral issues. A counselor or therapist works with you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, so you can better cope with challenges, improve your mental health and reach your personal goals.How can I get a mental health evaluation?
To get a mental health evaluation, you can start by contacting your primary care provider or a mental health professional. CalOptima Health members can call our Behavioral Health Customer Service line at 1-855-877-3885 (TTY 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ask for an evaluation. During an evaluation, a mental health provider will check your symptoms, talk with you about your concerns and figure out the best course of action for your care.What are examples of behavioral health (also known as mental health) conditions?
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Eating disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
What behavioral services does CalOptima Health provide?
Behavioral health services may include:
- Talk therapy
- Psychiatrist appointments for medicine management
Are mental health issues common?
Mental health issues are more common than you may think. Many people deal with mental health issues every day. They affect each person in their own way, so treatment for mental health that works for one person may not work for another. Your emotions, thoughts, and mood affect your daily routines, relationships with others, and how you take care of other medical conditions you may have.Are mental health conditions something to be ashamed of?
No, absolutely not. Mental health conditions are just like other health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes that need to be checked and maintained.Do I need an authorization or referral?
Outpatient talk therapy and medicine management are services that do not need a referral. Some services like psychological testing do require prior authorization.What number can I call for access to behavioral health services?
The CalOptima Health Behavioral Health Line is 1-855-877-3885 (TTY 711). We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Telehealth appointments are also available by calling TeleMed2U toll-free at 1-844-585-9210.What can I expect during my call to the CalOptima Health Behavioral Health Line?
A. A representative will ask you a few questions about your behavioral health status to find the best services for you.
B. You will receive provider options to help you. You can also look up providers on our CalOptima Health website www.caloptima.org.
What can I expect during my first appointment with my behavioral health provider?
Your first appointment may be different from your future visits. You will meet the behavioral health provider and may be asked to complete paperwork.
What if I don’t like my provider?
You have the choice to change providers at any time.How often do I need to see my behavioral health provider?
You and your provider will decide what type of schedule is best for you.How long will my treatment last?
It takes time to find the right treatment that works best for each person. Be patient with the treatment and the recovery process. Your behavioral health provider will work with you to create your treatment plan.