Medi-Cal helpline: (800) 541-5555 · free
Tools & Guides

Everything you need for your renewal.

A personalized renewal check, deadline tracker, plain-language answers, and verified contact info for all 58 California counties — free, in your language.

Interactive tool

Renewal readiness check.

Five questions build a personalized document checklist and action plan. Nothing is stored — your answers stay on this page.

Renewal Readiness Check

Step 1 of 5

Do you currently have Medi-Cal?

This helps us tell renewal apart from a new application.

Have you received a renewal packet or notice?

It comes by mail in a yellow envelope, or appears in your BenefitsCal account.

When is your renewal due?

The due date is printed on your notice.

Has anything changed in the last year?

Address, income, job, or people in your household.

How would you like to submit your renewal?

We'll tailor your steps to the method you choose.

Your personalized plan

Documents to gather
Your next steps
Go to BenefitsCal.com
Find your path

Which situation fits you?

Pick the one that matches best for tailored guidance.

Deadline tracker

Know exactly how much time you have.

Enter your renewal due date and see a live countdown with an urgency alert.

Your renewal date is the most important number.

It's printed on the notice your county mails you. Enter it here to track it live.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Pick a date to see your countdown.
What goes wrong

The most common reasons people lose coverage.

Most coverage losses aren't because someone is no longer eligible — they're procedural. Here's what to watch for.

Most common

Missed mail

You moved (or your mailbox is unreliable) and never saw the renewal packet.

Prevention: Update your address at BenefitsCal.com whenever you move.
Very common

Missed deadline

You got the packet but waited — and the deadline came and went.

Prevention: Submit the day you receive your packet. Online takes about 30 minutes.
Common

Missing documents

You submitted on time, but the county needed one more thing and the follow-up window closed.

Prevention: Check your BenefitsCal account weekly during your renewal month.
Myth vs Fact

Bust the myths that cost people coverage.

Misinformation is one of the top reasons eligible people don't renew. Here are the ones we hear most.

Myth
"Medi-Cal renews automatically — I don't need to do anything."
Fact

Pandemic-era auto-renewals ended. You must actively complete your renewal every 12 months.

Myth
"If I missed my deadline, I have to apply all over again."
Fact

DHCS materials describe a possible 90-day window to submit a late renewal and have coverage reinstated if you still qualify.

Myth
"I have to pay a fee to renew or get help."
Fact

Renewal is 100% free. Anyone asking for payment is running a scam — report to (800) 822-6222.

Myth
"I make too much money to qualify."
Fact

Income limits are often higher than people think. California uses several different eligibility programs — apply and let the county decide.

Myth
"If I lose Medi-Cal, I have no other options."
Fact

You may qualify for Covered California, where many people get $0 or low-cost plans. Applications often screen for both automatically.

Myth
"Using Medi-Cal will affect my immigration case."
Fact

Under current federal guidance, most Medi-Cal use does not count against public charge. For specific cases, consult a qualified legal resource.

FAQ

Real questions, straight answers.

Filter by topic, or scroll through. If your question isn't here, ask AccessBot or email us.

Plain-language glossary

What does that word mean?

Medi-Cal letters use vocabulary that's easy to misunderstand. Look up any term here in plain English.

Find local help

Resources for your county.

Medi-Cal is administered county by county. All phone numbers below are pulled from the official DHCS county contact list.

All 58 counties · click any county for verified phone numbers
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AccessBotRenewal assistant · online
AccessBot provides general guidance only. For decisions about your case, contact your county or call (800) 541-5555.