See the below Frequently Asked Questions about enrolling in and renewing Medi-Cal.
How do I know if I have to renew my Medi-Cal case?
Individuals/households that are required to submit renewal documentation will receive a renewal packet mailed to their address on file. If the individual or household has moved in the past 12 months and has not already notified the County of their new address, they should do so by calling (866) 663-3225.
Some individuals/households are automatically renewed to Medi-Cal based on their earned income and other factors about their case. These individuals/households will receive a Notice of Action that they have been renewed. In these cases, no action is required by the individual/household. A small number are auto renewed. Most individuals/households must submit renewal documentation.
Alternatively, individuals/households can sign into BenefitsCal.com to see their renewal status. In your BenefitsCal account, see your Customer Dashboard “Things to Do” section. You will see County-sent notices or correspondence in the Message Center. Or go to “Your Applications and Cases” to check your status. You may complete your renewal if required. BenefitsCal does not allow a customer to start the renewal early.
You must have a BenefitsCal account linked to your case to view case information online. You may also visit one of our offices or call (866) 663-3225 for assistance.
How do I create an account in BenefitsCal?
Creating a BenefitsCal account is the most accessible way for you to manage your Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, or General Assistance case. To create an account:
- Click on “Create An Account” below the login button
- Select the appropriate account type (user for customers, CBO for organizations)
- Follow the prompts to complete the information fields including setting up security questions (email address is required)
- Enter the verification code you receive by email to complete account creation
- Two-step verification is required at every log in
- For more information, see the “Create an Account FAQs” or watch the How-To video
How do I link my case to a BenefitsCal account?
You must link your case to your BenefitsCal account. To do so:
- Log into your BenefitsCal account at BenefitsCal.com
- On the Customer Dashboard, click “Link a case” in the “Link to an Existing Case” section
- Follow the prompts to complete the information fields (date of birth, zip code, county, case number). You must be the primary applicant to link your case and will have three attempts to do so.
- You will be prompted to verify that you are the person requesting to link (by email or text)
- The email and/or phone number options available for the case linking verification process are based on the email and/or phone number on file with the county
- Contact the county to add or update your email and/or phone number on file
- After selecting the desired method of verification, click the “Send Link” button to initiate the verification email or text message. Check your email or phone number for the verification link. It may take up to 15 minutes to receive.
- Clicking the verification link sent to you via email/text leads to the confirmation page with the message: “Great, you’re verified! Let’s go to your dashboard.”
- If the system cannot successfully link your case, a case link request will be sent to the county for review. For any questions, please contact your county.
- Click the “Log In” button to log into your BenefitsCal account again, which should now be linked to your case.
- For more information, see the “Link a Case FAQs” or watch the How-To video
Am I already enrolled in Medi-Cal? Is my Medi-Cal still active? Â
See your program status on BenefitsCal.com on the Customer Dashboard. You must have a BenefitsCal account and you must link it to your case to view case information (see above for how to do this).
You can also reach out to our Medi-Cal CalFresh Service Center (MCSC) at (866) 663-3225 to check status.
What if I don’t remember my BenefitsCal password?
The BenefitsCal website has a feature to reset your password. Click “Forgot Your Password?” on the login page and follow the prompts. You can also reach out to our Medi-Cal CalFresh Service Center (MCSC) at (866) 663-3225 for assistance.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal in Contra Costa County?
There are many ways you can apply:
- Online at BenefitsCal.com
- Covered California.com (may refer you to us)
- By phone at 1(866) 663-3225
- In person atone of our offices
- Pick up an application at an EHSD office, request an application packet by phone, or download from BenefitsCal.com. Return it by:
- faxing to (925) 228-0310
- mailing to P.O. Box 4114, Concord, CA 94524
How do I know if my case is approved?
You can see your program status on BenefitsCal.com on your Customer Dashboard. You must have a BenefitsCal account linked to your case to view case information online (see above for how to do this). You may also visit one of our offices or call (866) 663-3225 for assistance.
Can I renew Medi-Cal online?Â
Yes. Go to BenefitsCal.com and follow the renewal steps. For assistance, you can visit the Help Center at BenefitsCal or contact our Medi-Cal CalFresh Service Center (MCSC) at (866) 663-3225.
How do I know if I have to renew my Medi-Cal case?
Individuals/households that are required to submit renewal documentation will receive a renewal packet mailed to their address on file. If the individual or household has moved in the past 12 months and has not already notified the County of their new address, they should do so by calling (866) 663-3225.
Some individuals/households are automatically renewed to Medi-Cal based on their earned income and other factors about their case. These individuals/households will receive a Notice of Action that they have been renewed. In these cases, no action is required by the individual/household. A small number are auto renewed. Most individuals/households must submit renewal documentation.
Alternatively, individuals/households can sign into BenefitsCal.com to see their renewal status. In your BenefitsCal account, see your Customer Dashboard “Things to Do” section. You will see County-sent notices or correspondence in the Message Center. Or go to “Your Applications and Cases” to check your status. You may complete your renewal if required. BenefitsCal does not allow a customer to start the renewal early.
You must have a BenefitsCal account linked to your case to view case information online. You may also visit one of our offices or call (866) 663-3225 for assistance.
How do I create an account in BenefitsCal?
Creating a BenefitsCal account is the most accessible way for you to manage your Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, or General Assistance case. To create an account:
- Click on “Create An Account” below the login button
- Select the appropriate account type (user for customers, CBO for organizations)
- Follow the prompts to complete the information fields including setting up security questions (email address is required)
- Enter the verification code you receive by email to complete account creation
- Two-step verification is required at every log in
- For more information, see the “Create an Account FAQs” or watch the How-To video
How do I link my case to a BenefitsCal account?
You must link your case to your BenefitsCal account. To do so:
- Log into your BenefitsCal account at BenefitsCal.com
- On the Customer Dashboard, click “Link a case” in the “Link to an Existing Case” section
- Follow the prompts to complete the information fields (date of birth, zip code, county, case number). You must be the primary applicant to link your case and will have three attempts to do so.
- You will be prompted to verify that you are the person requesting to link (by email or text)
- The email and/or phone number options available for the case linking verification process are based on the email and/or phone number on file with the county
- Contact the county to add or update your email and/or phone number on file
- After selecting the desired method of verification, click the “Send Link” button to initiate the verification email or text message. Check your email or phone number for the verification link. It may take up to 15 minutes to receive.
- Clicking the verification link sent to you via email/text leads to the confirmation page with the message: “Great, you’re verified! Let’s go to your dashboard.”
- If the system cannot successfully link your case, a case link request will be sent to the county for review. For any questions, please contact your county.
- Click the “Log In” button to log into your BenefitsCal account again, which should now be linked to your case.
- For more information, see the “Link a Case FAQs” or watch the How-To video
Am I already enrolled in Medi-Cal? Is my Medi-Cal still active? Â
See your program status on BenefitsCal.com on the Customer Dashboard. You must have a BenefitsCal account and you must link it to your case to view case information (see above for how to do this).
You can also reach out to our Medi-Cal CalFresh Service Center (MCSC) at (866) 663-3225 to check status.
What if I don’t remember my BenefitsCal password?
The BenefitsCal website has a feature to reset your password. Click “Forgot Your Password?” on the login page and follow the prompts. You can also reach out to our Medi-Cal CalFresh Service Center (MCSC) at (866) 663-3225 for assistance.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal in Contra Costa County? There are many ways you can apply:
- Online at BenefitsCal.com
- Covered California.com (may refer you to us)
- By phone at 1(866) 663-3225
- In person at one of our offices
- Pick up an application at an EHSD office, request an application packet by phone, or download from BenefitsCal.com. Return it by:
- faxing to (925) 228-0310
- mailing to P.O. Box 4114, Concord, CA 94524
How do I know if my case is approved?
You can see your program status on BenefitsCal.com on your Customer Dashboard. You must have a BenefitsCal account linked to your case to view case information online (see above for how to do this). You may also visit one of our offices or call (866) 663-3225 for assistance.
Why was my case discontinued? Â
You will receive a Notice of Action (NOA) in the mail which explains the reason your Medi-Cal is discontinued. The NOA includes contact information for you to call if you have any questions as well as information on how to file an appeal if you don’t agree with the decision.
How can I get a new Medi-Cal card?
Visit BenefitsCal.com, go to one of our offices, or call (866) 663-3225. You must have a BenefitsCal account linked to your case to view case information online (see above for how to do this).
How do I transfer my Medi-Cal case to Contra Costa from a different County?Â
You can contact the County you are transferring from or the County you currently live in to report your address change.
What do I do if I am confused about the renewal paperwork, my case is not active even if I have turned in my completed packet, or I am not sure if I’m eligible?
Visit BenefitsCal.com, call us at (866) 663-3225, or visit one of our offices. We are here to support and will be able to help resolve your situation.
I need to change my address.
Visit BenefitsCal.com, go to one of our offices, or call (866) 663-3225. You must have a BenefitsCal account linked to submit address change information.
I want to apply for CalFresh.
There are many ways you can apply for CalFresh:
- Online at BenefitsCal.com
- By phone at (866) 663-3225
- In person at one of our offices
- Pick up an application at an EHSD office, request an application packet by phone, or download from BenefitsCal.com. Return it by:
- faxing to (925) 228-0310
- mailing to P.O. Box 4114, Concord, CA 94524
What documents and verifications do I need to prepare to renew Medi-Cal?
- Paystub/Penalty of Perjury/Tax document or other verifiable income document
- Identification if first time applying for benefits
- All applicants/recipients are asked if they would like to vote even if not eligible
- Statement of Citizenship Alienage and immigration status (MC13s – mostly at intake)
- Documentation of language and capability plan (Gen 22)
- Interpreter Services Statement and Confidentiality Agreement (CR 6181)
- Ensure that you answer all questions on the application or renewal and sign it
- Your worker may notify you if additional documentation is required
Helpful Resources to Create a BenefitsCal Account
What if I need more help?
Go to BenefitsCal.com where you can reset your password, report changes, and/or review notices. If the paperwork feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to support you. Call us at (866) 663-3225 or visit one of our offices.