Today there are huge social demands for primary rights. Among them, health demands take a great advantage, especially for the least economically benefited, who are unprotected against diseases and basic health needs.
In the US, several states have made contributions to improve the health system through the creation of departments, policies, and programs that can be partially or totally free.
If you live in California, in this article, we will explain how does the state program works and how you can check your medical status.
California Department of Health Care Services
In the state of California, the institution responsible for the provision of health services is called the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
Among its health programs, “Medi-Cal” stands out; it provides medical, dental and ophthalmological care to low-income and disabled people. This program also emphasizes primary and preventive health.
Currently, the DHCS has the registry that a third or the state’s population (about 12 million people across California’s 58 counties) signed up to receive Medi-Cal benefits; however, some of them may not know if their medical status is active.
It is important to ensure that your status is active, because this is the way to receive medical care through the program (in case you need it).
DHCS sends a mail with a Benefit Identification Card (BIC) to those who qualify to be Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
After a while, if you do not receive an answer, your BIC o a letter requesting more information to finish the procedure, you should get in touch with the nearest county office.
Eligibility
In order to receive the benefits, you must know if you qualify for this program. The requirements slightly vary depending on the county, but the main are:
- Being a citizen or legal resident of the state of California.
- And being below the federal poverty level.
The assumptions for qualifying on Medi-Cal have been extended in recent years, allowing individuals and families who previously did not qualify to submit their applications successfully.
You can find an online questionnaire at www.mybenefitscalwin.org, that will quickly determine if you meet the Medi-Cal program approval requirements.
How to check your medical status?
Find you County Office
Although Medi-Cal is a state program, it is administered throughout the counties. On the DHCS website, you can find the telephone directory, as well as the list of the county offices.
Click here to see the listings: www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/CountyOffices.aspx
Medi-Cal Status Request
Once you contact your local health office, they will request the following information:
- Name, age, and address.
- Your Social Security number.
- And your Medi-Cal ID number.
Then, you should ask to speak to the social worker that manages your case; he or she will tell you if your account is currently active and ready to receive medical benefits.
If you do not have an active account, your social worker may, upon request, inform you of the requirements and steps necessary for the institution to accept you.
In case you do not know who your social worker is, the local office should find that information and transfer your call to the appropriate person.
Website
Another option is to visit the website we previously recommended, www.mybenefitscalwin.org; in this portal, you can verify your status and the number of benefits available.
This system allows you to view documentation requests and your eligibility for additional assistance programs.
In order to use this portal, you must create a MyBenefits account. Then you can log in and check if your status is active and without problems.