1. Apply Online:  BenefitsCal 
2. Obtain a Medi-Cal application from any one of the locations listed at the bottom of this page or phone the Department of Human Services at (661) 631-6807 and request to apply for Medi-Cal.
3. When you apply by phone or in person, your application will be screened and assigned to a Human Services Technician who will determine your eligibility for the Medi-Cal program.
4. You have the choice to meet with a Human Services Technician for a face-to-face interview or complete an interactive interview by phone or you can return your forms and verifications all by mail.
5. Or by calling IVR at 1 (877) 410-8812

What Verification is Required?

Family When applying for Medi-Cal health care benefits, present or mail the following items that apply to your situation.

• Driver's License, Photo I.D., Alien Card(s)
• Social Security and Medicare cards
• Pregnancy verification not required to receive pregnancy-related services
• Current Property Tax Statement and proof of balance owed
• Car/Truck/Boat Registrations
• All Current Checking and Savings Account statements
• Stocks or Bonds
• Life Insurance Policies
• Burial Trust Agreements
• Trust Funds
• Trust Deeds
• Unemployment Insurance verification
• State Disability Income verifications
• INCOME verifications (check stubs, employer statement, award letters).
• Free Room and Board statement.

Locations Where I Can Apply?

Main Office

Department of Human Services
100 E. California Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 631-6807 [Map]

Satellite Offices

Delano
1816 Cecil Ave
Delano, CA 93215
(661) 721-5134 [Map]

Lake Isabella
7050 Lake Isabella Blvd, Suite 130
Lake Isabella, CA 93240
(760) 549-2006 [Map]

Lamont
8300 Segrue Road
Lamont, CA 93241
(661) 635-4000 [Map]

Mojave
2340 Hwy 58
Mojave, CA 93501
(661) 824-7500 [Map]

Ridgecrest
145 E Ridgecrest Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-5200 [Map]

Shafter
115 Central Valley Hwy
Shafter, CA 93263
(661) 746-8300 [Map]

Taft
119 North 10th Street
Taft, CA 93268
(661) 763-0200 [Map]

You and/or your family may qualify for participation in the Medi-Cal program. Even if you are working, own a house, own a car, are married, or are not a U.S. Citizen, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal health care benefits.

You can qualify for free Medi-Cal health coverage if your income is within certain limits.

You may also qualify for Medi-Cal health coverage with a share of cost if your income is above the program limits. This means you would have to pay a certain amount (deductible) before Medi-Cal would cover.

A comprehensive program of health services is available to those who are eligible, including: Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.

In Kern County, two Health Plans are available for those who qualify. These two Health Plans, Health Net and Kern Family Healthcare, make available primary care physicians, specialist, hospitals, and other medical professionals for you and your family's health care needs. It is important that you attend a Health Care Options presentation to receive more information regarding your Medi-Cal benefits.

California Health Care Options (HCO) Presentations are educational and informational sessions offered to Medi-Cal eligible persons at the local County welfare offices throughout Kern County. They provide the tools with which to make an informed decision about how you want to receive your Medi-Cal benefits.

No appointment is necessary and all services are free. Medi-Cal participants and applicants may be referred by County Eligibility workers, by the HCO Call Center (1-800-430-4263), by the informing packet materials they receive in the mail, or you can just walk-in and ask for the Health Care Option representative. Customer service is available to answer questions, assist with the paperwork or accept enrollment/ disenrollment forms.

Click here to learn more about your options.