Medi-Cal Renewals/Redetermination

L.A. Care addresses many of the questions members have about renewing Medi-Cal coverage below. For any questions you may have that aren't covered, please call the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) number at 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026. You can also go to benefitscal.com or visit Keep Medi-Cal Coverage for more information and to sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals. 

Due to the continuous coverage requirement that was enacted during the public health emergency (PHE), Medi-Cal beneficiaries have been able to keep their coverage regardless of any changes in circumstances. Once the continuous coverage requirement ends on March 30, 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) will resume Medi-Cal annual renewal redetermination operations on April 1, 2023.  

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

Make sure the county has your current name, mailing address, phone number, email address, or other contact information if it has changed. If your information has changed, you can update it online at benefitscal.com, or by calling 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026. This way, the county can contact you about your Medi-Cal. 
 

CHECK YOUR MAIL

The county will mail you a letter about your Medi-Cal eligibility. You may need to complete a renewal form. If you’re sent a renewal form, submit your information by mail, phone, in person, or online, so you don’t lose your coverage.
 

CREATE OR CHECK YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT

Create or check your BenefitsCal account to sign up to get text or email alerts about your case. 
 

COMPLETE YOUR RENEWAL FORM (if you get one)

If you received a renewal form in the mail, you may submit your information by mail, phone, in person, or online to help avoid a gap in your Medi-Cal coverage. 
 

 

Resources

Get assistance at our Community Resource Centers. All Centers in the flyer below are offering assistance with Medi-Cal enrollment and renewals.

Community Resource Center: Renewal Assistance Flyer

Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Arabic
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Armenian
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Chinese
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Farsi
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Khmer
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Korean
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Russian
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Spanish
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Tagalog
Community Resource Centers: Renewal Assistance Flyer - Vietnamese

 

MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyer

MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Arabic
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Armenian
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Chinese
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Farsi
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Khmer
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Korean
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Russian
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Spanish
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Tagalog
MediCal Keep Your Coverage Flyers - Vietnamese

Questions?

If you have any questions, or need help with accessing your Medi-Cal coverage, or if your Medi-Cal was discontinued, please contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services at 866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026, go to benefitscal.com or visit KeepMediCalCoverage.org for more information and to sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services also has a BenefitsCal guide, which has written instructions on the Medi-Cal renewal process. In addition, frequently asked questions and answers are below, along with videos about important steps to take.

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FAQS

What is the Medi-Cal annual renewal redetermination process?

Every 12 months, DPSS will conduct a review of your information to determine if you are still eligible to receive Medi-Cal benefits and have your Medi-Cal enrollment renewed to the following year. 

Why do I have to renew my Medi-Cal?

Though some members may be renewed automatically, some Medi-Cal beneficiaries must renew their Medi-Cal benefits each year, on time, to keep their health care coverage. If the Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is able to confirm your income information automatically, you will be sent an approval Notice of Action (NOA) letter and a renewal packet. The forms in the packet must be filled out and returned to DPSS by the due date listed in the packet. If you have questions about renewing your health care coverage, please call DPSS. 

How did Medi-Cal get the information on the renewal form?

The renewal form has all the information Medi-Cal knows about you. Members gave most of the information in previous applications and renewals. Some of the information may come from other places Medi-Cal has access to, including: 

  • Social Security 
  • Employment Development Department
How do I know when my renewal month is?
  • The annual renewal month is the month in which your annual renewal is due.  Typically, the annual renewal due month is the 11th month after your application month. For example, if you applied in August, your annual renewal due month is usually set to the following July. You can also determine your renewal month by calling DPSS. 
     
  • You will receive a letter in the mail indicating when their renewal is due. 
     
  • You can find your renewal due date information online by logging in or creating an online account at https://benefitscal.com/ and linking your Medi-Cal case. The renewal due month will be listed in the your account under ‘Case Information’. You can also call DPSS at 1-866-613-3777 Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) to request this information. 
What information do I need to give DPSS?

DPSS will only ask for the information they need and for things that affect each individual member’s Medi-Cal coverage. They will need details and proof of any changes, to include whether a member: 

  • Gets married or divorced
  • Has a child, adopts or places a child for adoption
  • Becomes pregnant
  • Gets more or less money
  • Gets any other health coverage, like through a job or Medicare. This won't stop their Medi-Cal
  • Moves, or changes who is living in their home
  • Has become disabled or had a change in their disability
  • Has a change in how they file their income taxes, such as starting or stopping claiming someone as a tax dependent
  • Has a change in citizenship or immigration status
  • Are incarcerated (jail, prison, etc.) or released from incarceration
  • Has a change in American Indian or Alaska Native status
  • Has a change in their tribal status
  • Changes their name, date of birth or Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Has any other changes that may affect their income or household size

If you get income, you may need to give proof.  The form lists examples such as pay stubs and tax returns.

You do not need to tell DPSS about non-income assets, which include bank accounts, homes and vehicles. 

  • You do not need to turn in proof of your assets and property
  • You do need to report :
    • If a new person with property moves in 
    • If you get money from your property (e.g. rent payments)
I am being asked for bank statements to prove my income and I do not have money in my bank account. Do I need to submit a statement?

If you do not have money, you can simply complete a sworn statement to DPSS that you do not have income or money. 

How long do I have to complete my renewal packet before I get disenrolled from Medi-Cal?

You are given 60 days to provide the requested information to DPSS.  If the requested information is not received by the 60-day due date, Medi-Cal benefits will discontinue at the end of the renewal due month. You have up to 90 days from the discontinuation date to provide the information needed to re-establish coverage. After 90 days, you will have to submit a new Medi-Cal application.

How can I update my information?

If your name has changed, you have moved to a different address, changed your telephone number, or need to correct any of your personal information, please call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services at 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026 Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) or visit benefitscal.com. You can also go to KeepMediCalCoverage.org for more information and to sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals.

What happens after I return my renewal packet?

The Los Angeles Department of Social Services (DPSS) will review your renewal and determine if you are still eligible to get Medi-Cal. If the renewal is missing something, DPSS will ask for more information and send you a notice telling you what information they need. 

If DPSS has the information they need, they will send you a notice to tell you whether or not you still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage.  If you do still qualify, the letter will indicate that your Medi-Cal is renewed for one year. If you do not still qualify, the letter will indicate when the your Medi-Cal coverage ends. 

I have had some changes to my household, what do I need to do to keep my Medi-Cal coverage when the continuous coverage requirement ends and Medi-Cal redeterminations resume?

You are required to report any changes in your household, such as income, if someone becomes pregnant, a new household member, and any changes to your local county office so that you can continue to receive your Medi-Cal coverage when the Medi-Cal redetermination process resumes.

Go to benefitscal.com or call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) at 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026 Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) to report any changes. You can also go to KeepMediCalCoverage.org for more information and to sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals.

Do I have to fill out and return renewal packets when I receive them?

Yes. It is important that you respond to county requests for updated information, including renewal packets. The county needs your latest information to renew your Medi-Cal coverage and see if you qualify for no-cost or lower cost coverage. 
You do not need to return the paper annual renewal form but you must provide the necessary information requested in the form and sign the form through any of the available means indicated. 

You need to read the pre-populated information, if it is wrong, you need to make changes or updates on the renewal form. You will need to give proof when the renewal instructs you to. If you get income, you need to give proof. The renewal form lists examples, which include pay stubs and tax returns. 

You do NOT need to complete the section about non-income assets and property or give proof. 

Will I lose my Medi-Cal coverage if I got a raise while the continuous coverage requirement is in place?

You need to report all income changes to your local county office. Go to benefitscal.com or call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services at 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026 to report any changes. You will not lose your Medi-Cal coverage while the continuous coverage requirement is in place if your income goes up or your household changes.  You can also go to KeepMediCalCoverage.org for more information and to sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals.

I moved. What should I do to change my address?

Go to benefitscal.com or call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) at 1-866-613-3777 (TTY) 1-800-660-4026 to update your information. You can also go to KeepMediCalCoverage.org for more information and to sign up for text or email updates on Medi-Cal renewals.

I received a renewal packet in the mail can someone help me complete it?

Yes.  If you need help completing your renewal packet, there are agencies across Los Angeles County with bilingual staff who are able to provide Medi-Cal enrollment assistance. View a list of available agencies

If you need help completing your Medi-Cal application or renewal packet, call a CRC listed below to schedule an appointment with an application assister.

The following Community Resource Centers (CRC) listed below are currently offering assistance with Medi-Cal enrollment and renewals:

Palmdale - 2072 E. Palmdale Blvd., Palmdale, CA 93550 - 1-213-438-5580

El Monte - 3570 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731 - 1-213-428-1495

Pomona - 696 W. Holt Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768 - 1-909-620-1661

Metro L.A. - 1233 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006 - 1-213-428-1457

Lynwood - 3200 East Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262 - 1-310-661-3000

East L.A. - 4801 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022 - 1-213-438-5570

Norwalk - 11721 Rosecrans Avenue, Norwalk, CA 90650 - 1-562-651-6060

Wilmington - 911 North Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744 - 1-213-428-1490

Long Beach - 5599 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90805 - 1-562-256-9810

Inglewood - 2864 W. Imperial Hwy, Inglewood, CA 90303 - 1-310-330-3130

Panorama City  - 7868 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402 - 1-213-438-5497

West Los Angeles - 11173 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 - 1-310-231-3854

If you need help completing your Medi-Cal application or renewal packet, you can call a CRC listed to schedule an appointment with an application assister.

 

If I have a medical, dental or eye doctor appointment during my renewal month, what can I do?

You may go to your appointments, you still have Medi-Cal coverage while the county is looking at your renewal form. Coverage will only end if you are no longer eligible. If you are no longer eligible, you will get a notice of action and it will say when your Medi-Cal will end. You can still get care until this date. 

If I did not turn in my renewal form or information and got a notice that my Medi-Cal is ending, what can I do?

If you get a renewal form and do not complete it, your Medi-Cal will end. 

  • If it is less than 90 days from the date on the letter you can turn in your renewal form or missing information.  DPSS will see if you still qualify for Medi-Cal, you do not need to turn in a new application. 
  • If it is more than 90 days after the date on the letter, you must turn in a new Medi-Cal application. 
I received a notice that I no longer qualify for Medi-Cal but I think that I should still qualify, what can I do?

You can ask DPSS to look at their case, and should contact DPSS. If they cannot help, you can ask for a Medi-Cal Fair Hearing.

You can submit an online request or call the State Hearings Division toll free at (800) 743-8525. 

I believe my Medi-Cal ended in error and I asked for a hearing, do I still have Medi-Cal?

Your notice had a date of when your Medi-Cal ended. If you asked for a hearing before your Medi-Cal ended, you still have Medi-Cal coverage. 

Where can I go for information if I no longer qualify for Medi-Cal coverage?

If you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal, you may be able to get health coverage through a Covered California plan and can also get financial assistance. If you qualify, DPSS will share your information and Covered California will enroll you in a quality plan. They will select a plan that gives the best value at the lowest cost, L.A. Care Covered. 

You should look out for important notices from Covered California. The envelope may say “Stay Covered with Covered California”. If you get a notice asking you to confirm your plan, you should respond right away. You will also have the option to change or cancel your plan. 

For assistance with L.A. Care Covered, you can contact L.A. Care directly at 1-800-222-4239, visit CoveredCA.com or call Covered California’s service center at 1-800-300-1506

How do I report a change if I have SSI?

If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, and are unable to change your address online, you can report your change by: 

  • Calling 1.800.772.1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
  • Contacting your local Social Security Office

If you get SSI, Social Security will process your Medi-Cal renewal.  If you have questions, call 1-800-772-1213, or contact your local Social Security office. 

Is there a fee to renew my Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal will never ask for money to turn in a renewal. If you get a call asking for money to complete your renewal, you can report it to the Medi-Cal fraud hotline at 1-800-822-6222