Healthcare Benefits

California offers two ways to get health coverage—Medi-Cal and Covered California. You may qualify for Covered California if you don't qualify for Medi-Cal. Both programs use the same application.

Covered California is the State’s health insurance marketplace and offers “premium assistance.” It helps lower the cost of health care for individuals and families who enroll and meet income rules.

You can compare health plans from brand-name insurance companies or shop for a plan. To qualify for premium assistance, your income must be under the Covered California program income limits.

Once you are approved, you can use your Medi-Cal benefits right away. New beneficiaries approved for Medi-Cal get a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC). Your health care and dental providers need your BIC to provide services and to bill Medi-Cal.

New beneficiaries and those asking for replacement cards get the new BIC design showing the California poppy. Both BIC designs shown here are valid:

Most people who are in Medi-Cal see a doctor through a Medi-Cal managed care plan. Medi-Cal Managed Care health plans help you find doctors, pharmacies and health education programs. The plans are like the health plans people have with private insurance.

Most people must enroll in a managed care plan, unless you meet certain criteria or qualify for an exemption. Your health plan options depend on the county you live in. Ask a Trinity County Representative for more information.