Keep Your Medi-Cal. RENEW TODAY!

During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), you were able to keep your Medi-Cal even if you had any changes to report. Starting April 1, 2023, Kern County residents must renew their Medi-Cal every year once again. You will lose your Medi-Cal if you do not renew your Medi-Cal on time.

LOOK FOR THE YELLOW ENVELOPE IN THE MAIL! You will receive a packet from the Kern County Department of Human Services to let you know if they need more information to see if you qualify.

The packet should arrive around the same time that you renewed your Medi-Cal in past years. For example, if your Medi-Cal renewal was due in November in the past, you should expect a packet about three months before November.

If you or someone in your household receives a letter from the Kern County Department of Human Services asking for information about your Medi-Cal, please provide the information as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you keep your Medi-Cal.

You can renew your Medi-Cal by:

1- Make sure your contact information is up to date. If you moved recently, or if your phone number or email address has changed, update your information immediately to make sure you receive your letter on time. WATCH YOUR MAIL FOR THE YELLOW ENVELOPE! You can also click here to update your information with the Kern County Department of Human Services.

2- If you got a new job or your income has changed, be prepared to provide verifications like:

• Check Stubs
• Income Tax Forms from the prior year.
• Affidavits of Income (This can only be done when you are paid in cash.)

3- Create or check your BenefitsCal online account – click here to sign up to get text or email alerts about your case. You may also submit renewals or requested information online.

Not at all! If your Medi-Cal was automatically renewed, you are all set for this year. Make sure to be ready for your renewal next year!

You have 90 days after your expiration date to complete your Medi-Cal renewal and keep your case open. If you do not renew within 90 days after your expiration date, you will have to reapply for Medi-Cal, and start the process from scratch.

Please continue to report any changes in your household to the Kern County Department of Human Services. This includes:

• Changes to your income
• Disability status
• Changes to your phone number, mailing address, or email address.
• If someone in your household becomes pregnant.
• If someone moves into your household or moves out of your household.
• Anything else that may affect your Medi-Cal eligibility.

Reporting these changes is important for you to renew and keep your Medi-Cal.

It is important for the county to have your current contact information. Please report any changes in your contact information so you don’t miss important information about your Medi-Cal coverage. Please report all updated contact information, such as your phone number, email address, or mailing address, to your local Kern County Department of Human Services office:

1. In person: For a list of office locations visit Office Hours and Locations | Kern County, CA - Department of Human Services (kcdhs.org).
2. By phone at 1-877-410-8812 (TTY 711)
3. Online at www.benefitscal.com
4. By mail at P.O. Box 511, Bakersfield, CA 93302-9985.

If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, and are unable to change your address online, you can report your change by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Or you can contact your local Social Security office via their online locator.

If you get SSI, Social Security will process your Medi-Cal renewal. If you have questions, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or contact your local Social Security office. Click here to find an office near you.

If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, and are unable to change your address online, you can report your change by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. You can also contact your local Social Security office via their online locator.

If you get SSI, Social Security will process your Medi-Cal renewal. If you have questions, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or contact your local Social Security office. Click here to find an office near you.

If you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal, you may be able to get health coverage through Covered California. Losing Medi-Cal allows you to enroll in a Covered California plan outside of the open enrollment period. The local county office will send you information about how to sign up.