Medi-Cal Benefits: Health

Medi-Cal provides a core set of health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, immunization, pregnancy-related services and nursing home care. The Affordable Care Act ensures that all Medi-Cal health plans offer what is known as “essential health benefits.” These 10 comprehensive services include the following categories:

• Outpatient (ambulatory) services.
• Emergency services.
• Hospitalization.
• Maternity and newborn care.
• Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment.
• Prescription drugs.
• Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as rehabilitative and habilitative services) and devices.
• Laboratory services.
• Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management.
• Children’s services, including oral and vision care.

Take a look at the Medi-Cal health benefits chart to learn more about the services in each category. For a definition of any of the terms used, please browse the Covered California online glossary or the glossary at the federal site HealthCare.gov.