Medical Coverage

Affordable health care is essential to everyone's health and well-being. A number of health care coverage options are now available for qualifying individuals and families. Each program has its own rules to determine who is eligible and the cost, if any, of coverage.

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal, called Medicaid in other states, provides quality health coverage to qualifying residents of California. Those who qualify for Medi-Cal include the aged, blind and disabled, those in long-term care, the medically needy, and those deemed eligible as a result of qualifying for other services, such as CalWORKs.

In January 2014, Medi-Cal eligibility is being expanded to include the non-disabled, non-elderly, childless adult populations with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Household income will be calculated using the adjusted gross income as defined on household tax returns. There is no asset test on these households, meaning that owning valuable assets does not disqualify a person or family from this program.

Health Care Coverage Through the Affordable Care Act

Covered California - Your Destination for Affordable Health CareThe state's insurance exchange, known as "Covered California," will offer four different health care plan levels- platinum, gold, silver or bronze- that provide a range of premiums and benefit levels. There will be tax credits to help cover the cost of health insurance premiums for families with incomes under 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, and assistance with co-pays and deductibles. The insurance companies that are offering health care plans in Butte County are Anthem Blue Cross of California, and Blue Shield of California. For more information or help in calculating the costs and options visit the CoveredCA website.

Upcoming Deadline for January 1 Coverage

Covered California's open-enrollment period runs through January 31, 2022. In order for coverage to start on January 1, 2022 you must sign up by December 31, 2021. Here are the ways to sign up:

  • Visit the CoveredCA website to learn about coverage options and enroll online
  • Find a local agent or other certified enroller on the CoveredCA website or have one call and help for free
  • Call Covered California at 800-300-1506 and get information or enroll by phone

Covered California's online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will help individuals find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal or Covered California. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after sign up is complete. In addition, individuals in Butte County can apply for Medi-Cal online or by picking up an application at one of the many sites throughout the county.

How to Apply

County Medical Services Program (CMSP)

The CMSP program services and eligibility requirements are being revised. For more information, call the Butte County Customer Service Center at 877-410-8803.