Medi-Cal is free or low-cost health coverage that is available to some Californians. It covers adults, families, older adults and people with disabilities who meet income requirements.
Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) does not decide if you qualify for Medi-Cal. For most Ventura County residents, the Human Services Agency (HSA) does. But if you have Medicare or SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine if you get supplemental coverage through Medi-Cal.
To learn if you qualify for Medi-Cal, call:
- Ventura County HSA: 1.888.472.4463. If you use a TTY, call 1.800.735.2929.
- SSA: 1.800.772.1213
You can also check your Medi-Cal eligibility online.
How to Apply for Medi-Cal
There are a couple ways you can apply for Medi-Cal:
- Online through MyBenefits CalWIN.
- In person at a Human Services Agency near you.
After You Apply
It may take up to 45 days for the HSA or SSA to determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal. But you may still receive care while your application is pending.
To get care, you can:
- Go to a hospital if you have an emergency.
- Visit the Ventura County HSA's office. You may be able to get a temporary Medi-Cal card.
- Get Medi-Cal coverage from certain doctors or clinics. Pregnant women and children can get this coverage.
Once you get Medi-Cal, your benefits will renew each year. Renewal will take place with no effort from you if you did not have a change affecting your eligibility.
Please keep in mind that:
- HSA takes care of renewals.
- SSA will handle them if you have Medicare or SSI.
- You may get a renewal letter asking for more information. Be sure to return it by the due date.
Other Health Insurance
Other Health Insurance can be added or removed from a Medi-Cal member's record in the following ways:
- By phone: Department of Health Care Services at 1.800.541.5555
- Online: Ventura County Human Services Agency (English and Spanish) or Department of Health Care Services (English and Spanish)
Questions?
You don’t have to wait to be a GCHP member to learn more. Give us a call at 1.888.301.1228. If you use a TTY, call 1.800.310.7347. Let us know how we can help you.