Does Medi-Cal qualify me for the free phone?

Yes. Medi-Cal is the California equivalent of Medicaid. Active enrollment in Medi-Cal automatically qualifies you for the federal Lifeline and ACP subsidies.

I have L.A. Care / Kaiser Medi-Cal. Does that count?

Yes. Managed care plans like L.A. Care, Kaiser Medi-Cal, Health Net, or Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal all count as valid Medi-Cal coverage for the purpose of Lifeline eligibility.

What document proves my Medi-Cal eligibility?

You can use your white BIC (Benefits Identification Card) if it has an issue date within 12 months. Otherwise, a 'Notice of Action' or 'Proof of Benefits' letter from your county welfare office is required.

California Medicaid Program

Your Medi-Cal Benefits Include
Free Mobile Service

Health coverage isn’t the only benefit you receive. Medi-Cal recipients in California are pre-qualified for a free smartphone and unlimited monthly data through federal subsidies.

Check Eligibility Instantly Required Documents

Why Medi-Cal is the “Gold Standard” for Qualification

In California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) manages Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. Because this program is “means-tested”—meaning you must meet strict low-income criteria to enroll—the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) views it as a trusted verification source.

This relationship between DHCS and the National Verifier system creates a unique advantage for applicants: Speed.

When you apply for Free Mobile Service using your Medi-Cal status, our system can often ping the state database in real-time. If your status is “Active,” you bypass the need for manual income verification (like uploading pay stubs), which speeds up approval from days to minutes.

Automated Check

85% of Medi-Cal applicants are verified instantly via database matching.

Dual Benefit

Qualifies you for BOTH Lifeline (Service) and ACP (Device) discounts.

Household Wide

One Medi-Cal member qualifies the entire address for service.

Does My Health Plan Count?

Many Californians are confused because their insurance card says “Kaiser” or “Anthem” instead of “Medi-Cal.” Yes, these count. If your plan is funded by Medi-Cal, you are eligible.

Qualifying Managed Care Plans (By County)

If you have one of these cards, you qualify:

Los Angeles County

L.A. Care Health Plan
Health Net Community Solutions
Kaiser Permanente (Medi-Cal)
Blue Shield of California Promise

San Diego & Riverside

Community Health Group
Molina Healthcare
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)

Central Valley

CalViva Health
Anthem Blue Cross (Medi-Cal)
Central California Alliance for Health

Bay Area

San Francisco Health Plan
Alameda Alliance for Health
Contra Costa Health Plan

*This list is not exhaustive. Any plan labeled “Medi-Cal” or administered by the county welfare department qualifies.

Medi-Cal vs. Medicare: Don’t Mix Them Up

The #1 reason for rejection among seniors is uploading a Medicare card instead of a Medi-Cal card.

Medicare (Red, White & Blue Card)

Federal insurance for seniors 65+. Does NOT automatically qualify you. If you only have Medicare, you must apply using the Income Method.

Medi-Cal (White BIC Card)

State assistance for low-income. DOES qualify you instantly. If you have both (“Medi-Medi”), always use your Medi-Cal information to apply.

Visual Guide: Which Card to Use

Use This One

Benefits Identification Card (BIC)

Includes ID Number, Issue Date

Not This One

Medicare Health Insurance

Unless verifying income

Verification Documents

Option 1: The BIC Card

The standard white California Benefits Identification Card (BIC) with the poppy flower image.

Important Requirement: Many older BIC cards do NOT have an “Issue Date” printed on them. If your card lacks a date, the National Verifier may reject it. In this case, you must pair it with a screenshot from your online portal.

Option 2: Notice of Action

The official letter sent by your county (Notice of Action or NOA) when your benefits are approved or renewed.

Must include First & Last Name.
Must list Medi-Cal as the program.
Must be dated within the last 12 months.
Must verify current active status.

How to Download Proof Online

BenefitsCal (Most Counties) MyBenefits CalWIN

Medi-Cal Qualification FAQs

What is the “Unwinding” and does it affect me?

The “Unwinding” refers to the end of the pandemic-era continuous enrollment rule. California counties are now checking eligibility again (Redetermination). If you lose your Medi-Cal coverage during this process, you will also lose your automatic qualification for the free phone unless you qualify via another method (like SNAP or Income). Action: Watch your mail for a yellow envelope from the county and respond immediately to keep your benefits active.

I have share-of-cost Medi-Cal. Do I qualify?

Yes. Even if you have a “Share of Cost” (spend-down) requirement, you are still considered a Medi-Cal participant. As long as your status is active in the state database, you qualify for the Lifeline/ACP benefit.

My child is on Medi-Cal, but I am not. Can we get a phone?

Yes! The Lifeline benefit is one per household. If your child (a dependent) receives Medi-Cal, you can apply as the “Benefit Qualifying Person” (BQP). You will enter your information as the applicant and your child’s information as the beneficiary.

Does this cover Pregnancy Medi-Cal?

Yes. Pregnancy-related Medi-Cal and MCAP (Medi-Cal Access Program) are valid qualifying programs. You will need to provide your verification letter showing active coverage.

What if I move to a different county in California?

You must transfer your Medi-Cal case to your new county to keep your health coverage active. For your free phone service, you must notify your provider of your address change within 30 days. As long as you remain in California, your service should continue uninterrupted.

You’re Covered for Health. Now Get Connected.

Use your Medi-Cal status to claim your free smartphone and monthly service today. No cost, no contracts.

Apply with Medi-Cal Help Me Qualify

Your Medi-Cal Benefits Include Free Mobile Service