Medi-Cal is California's health insurance for residents under the federal poverty level and is equivalent to Medicaid in other states. Most recipients will need to choose a health plan offered through Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans. Health plans vary depending upon the county that you live in. Kaiser Permanente is not offered in every county. When a person is approved for Medi-Cal they are sent a packet explaining the health plans they have to choose from. Family members may have different plans and anyone can change their plan at anytime.
Check the Health Plan Directory on California's Medi-Cal Health Care Options website to see if Kaiser Permanente is offered in your area.
Call Health Care Options at (800) 430-4263 and ask them for specific instructions to enroll with Kaiser. Oftentimes they will be able to enroll you over the telephone. Alternatively, visit your local Medi-Cal office to speak with a Health Care Options representative to complete the required paperwork.
Visit the Kaiser Permanente center that you are assigned to, for all of your medical needs. You will be assigned a primary care doctor within the facility. You will also receive a card from Kaiser, in addition to the Benefits Identification Card issued by Medi-Cal. Do not throw away the state card as you may need it in the future.
