Do you receive health coverage through Medi-Cal or the Children’s Insurance Health Program? You may need to renew your eligibility for service.

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, individuals and families in the state of California were not required to submit renewals to determine eligibility to receive health insurance through Medi-Cal (also known as Medicaid) or the Children’s Insurance Health Program (CIHP) in accordance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). 

In the spring of 2023, COVID-19 became a less severe public health threat, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 was passed, ending the continuous renewal enrollment programs for Medi-Cal and CIHP on March 31, 2023. 

In April 2023, all California Counties were tasked with resuming pre-pandemic processes for checking Medi-Cal and CIHP eligibility within one year. This means that many students, including those who have a child or children who are enrolled in either health insurance program are at risk of losing their health coverage. Some people may have already lost their health coverage this year.  

Check to see if you may be eligible to receive benefits through Medi-Cal, and apply for coverage.  

Find out if your children are eligible to receive Medi-Cal or CIHP, and apply for coverage. 

If you or any children in your household currently receive Medi-Cal or CIHP, you will need to renew your eligibility once per year or when there are changes to your household income or size. Depending on what County you live in, you may receive a renewal form  that must be completed to keep your benefits or a letter stating your coverage has been renewed. Make sure your contact information and mailing address are up to date, so your important documents are sent to you and you don’t miss any deadlines.

If you have lost your Medi-Cal or CIHP coverage this year, check your eligibility and re-apply if you or a child in your household still qualify to receive coverage. Some families may be represented in a mixed income bracket, which means that children in the household may qualify for Medi-Cal or CIHP, but adults in the household may not. 

If you or any children in your household are not eligible to receive coverage through Medi-Cal or CIHP, and you do not have access to health coverage through your employer, you can apply for health insurance through Covered California. Explore  Covered California’s low-cost health insurance plan options to find one that’s right for you!

Apply for a Covered California health-plan to make sure you are covered! 

Prioritizing your wellness is essential for your success, and it’s important that you have access to health care and health services to make sure everyone can get the care they need, when they need it. If you do not have health insurance or don’t know what your health insurance status is, explore your coverage options through Medi-Cal and Covered California. 

Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services offers holistic and inclusive care to support the various needs of all students. Health insurance is not required to receive services on campus. Charges may apply to specialty services, procedures, immunizations, medications, or lab testing. For questions and more information, contact us at 916-278-6461. 

Stay Well, 
Student Health, Counseling & Wellness Services