Apply for Medi-Cal

Steps to get Medi-Cal

1. 1

   Prepare to apply

   You’ll need to provide the information below for all household members. SFHSA will try to verify your information electronically. If we can’t, we’ll ask you for verification documentation.
    

   • Income information for everyone in your household 
   • Tax filing information for anyone in the household who files taxes or is claimed as a dependent (you don’t have to file taxes to qualify for Medi-Cal)
   • Social Security numbers for applicants who have them or are eligible to have them
   • Immigration information used to determine your benefit type
   • Property ownership for those applying on the basis of age (65+) or disability
2. 2

   Apply in one of the following ways

   • Online at BenefitsCal.  Note: BenefitsCal’s new two-step verification process makes your account more secure. View how to verify. 
   • By phone at (855) 355-5757
   • Complete and submit the application (English | Español | 中文 | русский | Filipino | Tiếng Việt) by one of the following ways:
     • Email:  SFMedi-Cal@sfgov.org
     • Fax: (415) 355-2432
     • Mail:  Human Services Agency, P.O. Box 7988, San Francisco, CA 94120
     • Service Center drop box: Outside 1440 Harrison Street during business hours, or at 1235 Mission Street at any time.
   • In person at one of our community partner locations. 
3. 3

   After you apply

   Eligibility can take up to 45 days to determine and up to 90 days if you apply based on a disability.  During this time:
    

   • You'll receive a Notice of Action or Request for Information: The notice informs you of your benefits and lists each eligible individual in your household. If we need more information before issuing the notice, you’ll receive the Request for Information.
     • Disagree with the Notice of Action or need clarification? Contact us at (855) 355-5757. If you still disagree with the decision, you may file for a State Hearing by completing the back of your Notice of Action.
   • After qualifying for Medi-Cal, you’ll receive a Benefits Identification Card (BIC) that you can use to start getting coverage.
   • You will then receive a packet by mail with health plans to choose from. If you don’t choose a plan within 30 days, the state will choose one for you.