I received medical assistance – Medi-Cal, I haven’t received my card yet. What should I do?
Q) Although I thought I had received medical assistance in the form of Medi-Cal, it’s been well over a month and I haven’t received my card yet. What should I do?
A) I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t received your Medi-Cal card yet. According to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the process for verifying your Medi-Cal eligibility, from the time your completed application is received to when you receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC), normally takes 45 days. However, due to the large number of Medi-Cal applications received, the process may take longer than normal.
If you need immediate care while you wait for your card, you can go to a hospital for emergencies, visit your local county human services office, or go to a Federally Qualified Health Center. You can also contact your county human services agency to check the status of your application or request a temporary identification card.
If you have already received your BIC but have not selected a managed care health plan, you can get health care services from an enrolled Medi-Cal provider who accepts fee-for-service (FFS) Medi-Cal. You can also use the online directory to find a provider near you.
If you need to replace your BIC because it was not received, lost, incorrect, or stolen, you should contact your local county office. You can also log on to your mymedicare.gov account and print an official copy of your card if it has been mailed
If you haven’t received your Medi-Cal card after 45 days, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue:
Contact the Medi-Cal Enrollment Department: Reach out to the Medi-Cal Enrollment Department or the local office in your area. They can provide information about the status of your application and the delivery of your card. You can find the contact information on the official Medi-Cal website or any correspondence you may have received from them.
Confirm your enrollment: Ask the enrollment department to verify whether your application has been approved and if your card has been issued. They may be able to provide you with an estimated delivery time or offer a replacement card if necessary.
Check your mailbox and address: Ensure that you have provided the correct mailing address when you applied for Medi-Cal. Double-check your mailbox regularly to see if the card has been delivered. It’s possible that it may have been lost in transit or delivered to the wrong address.
Request a replacement card: If it’s confirmed that your card was issued but you haven’t received it, inquire about obtaining a replacement card. They can guide you through the process and assist with any necessary paperwork.
Consider contacting your county health services office: If you are still experiencing difficulties or not receiving a satisfactory response from the Medi-Cal Enrollment Department, you may want to contact your local county health services office. They can provide additional assistance and guidance regarding your specific situation.
Remember, it’s important to follow up and take action promptly to ensure you have access to the medical assistance you need.