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Medi-Cal for Children

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost coverage for children under age 19.

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Do my children qualify for Medi-Cal?

Go to Shop and Compare to see if you qualify, or you can apply now.

What You Get

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Preventive Care

Enjoy free services, like well-baby visits and checkups.

Emergency Services

Ambulance and emergency room services.

Primary Care

Doctor visits for sickness, injuries or other concerns.

Dental and Vision

Teeth cleanings, fillings, eye exams and glasses.

Prescription Coverage

Low-cost or free prescriptions.

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

Counseling and treatment are covered.

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Families Enrolled in Two Programs

In many families, parents qualify for Covered California while the kids are eligible for another program.

Parents in Covered California, Child in Medi-Cal

Many parents who are eligible for a health plan with financial help through Covered California will find out their children qualify for Medi-Cal. Sometimes these parents want to decline Medi-Cal and add those children to their Covered California plan. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option. 

Parents who decline Medi-Cal enrollment for their child will continue to qualify for financial help for their health plan, but children can only be enrolled in a separate, full-cost (unsubsidized) plan through Covered California.

Parent in Covered California, Child in CCHIP

In the Bay Area, parents who qualify for a health plan and financial help through Covered California may be told that their children qualify for another program called CCHIP. As with Medi-Cal, sometimes parents want to decline CCHIP and add those children to the Covered California plan, but unfortunately, they are unable to.

Parents who decline CCHIP enrollment for their child will continue to qualify for financial help for their health plan, but children can only be enrolled in a separate, full-cost (unsubsidized) plan through Covered California.

If you have questions about CCHIP enrollment, call (833) 912-2447.

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Need help applying?

You can get help from a certified enroller right away. It’s always free and confidential. Talk to someone about your options and have them guide you through the process. You can enroll in person, by phone or online.

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Help is available in more than a dozen languages.

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