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How to Apply for Medi-Cal

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

Medi-Cal Enrollment is year-round.

New Update to Medi-CAl

NEW! As of January 1, 2024 all county residents, regardless of immigration status, are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal. To learn more, view the Medi-Cal Expansion Information Document.

Who is Eligible for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal covers low-income residents of all ages regardless of immigration status, families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, children in foster care, former foster care youth up to age 26.

Who Determines Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is determined by your local county’s Department of Social Services. For help, call the office nearest you from phone numbers listed below.

How do I apply?

Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round. You can apply today easily online or by mail.

By mail: Download the application from the California Department of Health Care Services. Send your completed and signed application to your local County Department of Social Services office. See locations and addresses to the right.
Online through Covered California. Then, your local CountyDepartment of Social Services office will process your application and notify you.
Online through BenefitsCal.com. Then, your local County Department of Social Services office will process your application and notify you.
In person at the nearest local County Department of Social Services office. They will help you complete your application. See locations and addresses listed below.

Visit The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) – Ways to Apply for Medi-Cal Webpage to learn more.

Local County Department of Social Services Offices:

Santa Barbara County offices:

For additional help visit dssoctopus.com

Santa Barbara
234 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 | (805) 681-4401

Santa Maria (Two locations)
2125 South Centerpointe Parkway, Santa Maria, CA 93455 | (805) 346-7135

1444 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 | (805) 614-1300

Lompoc
1100 West Laurel Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436 | (805) 737-7080

San Luis Obispo County offices:

Paso Robles
406 Spring Street, Paso Robles, CA 93446 | (805) 237-3110

Atascadero
9630 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422 | (805) 461-6000

Morro Bay
600 Quintana Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442 | (805) 772-6405

Nipomo
681 West Tefft Street Suite 1, Nipomo, CA 93444 | (805) 931-1800

Arroyo Grande
1086 East Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 | (805) 474-2000

San Luis Obispo
3433 South Higuera, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 | (805) 781-1600