Your Family May Qualify for Both Medi-Cal and Covered California
Some family members may get Medi-Cal, while others get a Covered California health plan — sometimes with financial help to lower costs.
What is a mixed-program family?
A mixed-program family is a family where different family members qualify for different health insurance programs. This is common, and it does not mean there is anything wrong with your application.
When you apply, we check each person's eligibility for both Covered California and Medi-Cal, so some members may get Medi-Cal while others get Covered California. This happens because eligibility is based on household details like size, income, and ages. This could mean you get a Covered California plan, while your child gets Medi-Cal.
If you live in San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County, your child may instead qualify for the California Children's Health Insurance Program (CCHIP). CCHIP follows rules that are similar to Medi-Cal.
If your eligibility results don’t look right, get help before you decline insurance.
What Coverage May Look Like for Your Family
If You Decline Medi-Cal
If anyone in your family declines Medi-Cal, they can enroll in a Covered California plan without financial help — this means paying the full cost of the plan.
Do you think you got the wrong result, or have questions about your options? Contact us to get help.
Can my family see the same doctors?
You and your family members may be able to see the same doctors, but it depends on the health plans available where you live.
Before choosing a plan, check each plan's provider network. You can contact the health insurance company to confirm which doctors are More information available for each plan before you enroll.
What Happens After You Apply
Review each person's eligibility result.
Read each one carefully before choosing or declining insurance.
Choose your Covered California plan.
Family members who qualify for a Covered California plan can choose one online. Compare premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and doctor networks.
Enroll in your Medi-Cal plan.
Your local county office or Medi-Cal will send next steps, insurance details, and health plan options to people who qualify for Medi-Cal.
Set up your health plan.
Look for a welcome letter, member card, and plan details in the mail. If your insurance has a premium, you must pay it before you can start using your coverage.
