California medical programs

What it is: Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, offering free or low-cost health coverage to low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Services: Covers a wide range of health services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and mental health services.
Eligibility: Based on income, household size, and other factors. Expanded under the Affordable Care Act to include more low-income adults.
Website: Medi-Cal

What it is: Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where residents can get health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Services: Offers health plans with essential benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Financial assistance is available to reduce premium costs.
Eligibility: Open to California residents who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal but need affordable health insurance. Subsidies are available based on income.
Website: Covered California

What it is: CCS is a state program providing diagnostic and treatment services, medical case management, and physical therapy services to children under 21 years old with certain physical limitations and chronic health conditions.
Services: Covers specialist care, hospitalizations, medical equipment, and surgery for eligible conditions like cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and traumatic injuries.
Eligibility: Based on medical condition, income, and residence.
Website: California Children's Services (CCS)

What it is: Family PACT provides free family planning services to low-income men and women, including birth control, STI testing, cancer screening, and reproductive health services.
Eligibility: California residents with low income who do not have health insurance coverage for family planning services.
Website: Family PACT

What it is: MCAP offers low-cost health insurance to pregnant women who do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal but have incomes too high to qualify for Medi-Cal. Previously known as the Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM) program, it provides comprehensive maternity care.
Services: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and newborn care for up to 60 days after birth.
Eligibility: Pregnant women who meet income guidelines and are not enrolled in other health insurance programs. The program has a small monthly premium, based on income.
Website: Medi-Cal Access Program

What it is: WIC is a federal program that provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and food assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
Services: Vouchers for nutritious foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education.
Eligibility: Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five who meet income guidelines.
Website: California WIC Program

What it is: A federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, but also for some younger individuals with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Services: Covers hospital insurance (Part A), medical insurance (Part B), and prescription drug coverage (Part D). Some may also choose Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), which are offered by private companies and include additional benefits.
Eligibility: Typically, people aged 65 or older who have worked and paid into the Medicare system through payroll taxes. Some younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions may also qualify.
Website: Medicare