Whats the difference between Medi-CAL and Medicare?
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program and is a joint federal and state program that pays for a broad range of medical services for low-income people who qualify, including doctor/dentist visits, X-rays, lab tests, prescription drugs, eye care, chiropractic services, and hospitalizations. To ask about your eligibility or to apply, California residents should call their local County Department of Public Social Services. San Francisco residents interested in Medi-Cal can call a San Francisco AIDS Foundation benefits specialist at 415-487-8000. Medicare is a federal health benefits program for people who are entitled to Social Security retirement insurance and for people with long-term disabilities (those who have been eligible to receive SSDI for 24 months). If you are eligible, enrollment is automatic for a portion of the programs; however, for comprehensive coverage the beneficiary must elect which programs they would like to participate in. Please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-42
