2024 Medi-Cal Expansion & Public Charge
2024 Medi-Cal Expansion & Public Charge
Starting January 2024, all income-eligible Californians, regardless of immigration status, can qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal. This update ensures comprehensive medical benefits for undocumented immigrants. Learn the differences between full-scope and emergency Medi-Cal, the eligibility requirements, income guidelines, and how Medi-Cal usage affects immigration status.
2024 Medi-Cal Expansion & Public Charge
@BizFinEco2 months ago
&

2024 MEDI-CAL EXPANSION & PUBLIC CHARGE
What the immigrant community needs to know
about these changes
JANUARY 2024
WHAT IS THE MOST RECENT UPDATE REGARDING MEDI-CAL COVERAGE FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS?
Starting January 2024, all income-eligible Californians may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FULL SCOPE MEDI-CAL AND EMERGENCY MEDI-CAL?
Full scope Medi-Cal covers all medical, dental, mental health, vision, and other important services. Full scope Medi-Cal may also cover substance abuse treatment and includes transportation to medical visits. Emergency Medi-Cal is limited and only covers some emergency medical services.
WILL ALL UNDOCUMENTED CALIFORNIANS BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS EXPANSION REGARDLESS OF AGE?
Yes, all undocumented Californians will be eligible if they meet the income guidelines for the program.
WHAT ARE THE INCOME GUIDELINES NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR MEDI-CAL?
Visit the California Department Of Health Care Services eligibility webpage to review all


- Â Online: Using the Covered Caliornia application page ( https://www.coveredca. com/apply/ ) (Covered California and Medi-Cal use the same application).
- Â In-person: Find your nearest county office by visiting the California Department of Healthcare Services County Office webpage ( https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/ services/medi-cal/Pages/CountyOffices.aspx )
- Â By phone: (800) 300-1506
continued...
income guidelines.

WILL USING MEDI-CAL HURT MY IMMIGRATION CASE OR COUNT AS A PUBLIC CHARGE?
No. The use of Medi-Cal and other important health, nutrition and housing benefits does not count as a public charge and will not impact your immigration case.
WHAT PUBLIC CHARGE RULE IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT AND WHO DOES IT APPLY TO?
The strict public charge rule announced by the Trump administration has been rescinded by the Biden administration. The current rule is similar to the one that was in place before 2017. Public Charge only applies to people applying for a visa to the enter to U.S. or applying for a green card (lawful permanent residence) through a relative.
CAN THE PERSONAL INFORMATION I SHARE FOR MY MEDI-CAL COVERAGE BE SHARED WITH IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS?
No. There are very strict laws in California that protect immigrants from having their personal information shared with immigration officials.
WHERE CAN I SIGN UP FOR FULL SCOPE MEDI-CAL COVERAGE?


WHERE CAN I FIND A TRUSTED LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDER TO ANSWER SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT MY IMMIGRATION CASE?
Visit ilrc.me/gethelp to find a trusted legal services provider in your area.
Are you a California Community College (CCC) or a California State University (CSU) student? If so, you qualify for FREE immigration legal services!
FIND OUT MORE
CCC:
findyourally.com
CSU:
findyourally.com/csu
ILRC .ORG
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