Medi-Cal for Children
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost coverage for children under age 19.
Do my children qualify for Medi-Cal?
Go to Shop and Compare to see if you qualify, or apply now.
What You Get
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.
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, Children 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.
Parents in Covered California, Children in CCHIP
In San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, 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.
