Helping You Access and Keep the Benefits You Need
Free Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment assistance for Orange County residents.
Navigating Medi-Cal and CalFresh can be confusing, especially as eligibility and renewal requirements change. New federal and state requirements have increased the risk of coverage disruptions for many low-income older adults, creating a greater need for benefits navigation and enrollment support.
The Council on Aging – Southern California’s Medi-Cal Enrollment Program (MEP) provides trusted, one-on-one assistance to help eligible Orange County residents apply for or renew Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits, understand requirements, and stay connected to health care and nutrition assistance.
Services are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin, and Farsi.
Applying for public benefits can be complicated. You don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Our goal is to help you access and maintain the health care, nutrition benefits, and community resources that support your health and independence.
How our Enrollment Specialists Help
Our Community Enrollment Specialists provide personalized assistance with Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment and renewals. Services are provided at no cost and are designed to make the process easier to understand and navigate.
We can help you:
COASC became an approved Medi-Cal and CalFresh Enrollment Entity to expand support for low-income older adults and help reduce interruptions in health coverage.
There is no cost for enrollment assistance.
Enrollment Sites & Schedule
Locations and enrollment assistance schedule to be added.
Medi-Cal Enrollment Assistance
Get Help Navigating Your Health Coverage
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Californians with limited income and resources.
What Does Medi-Cal Cover
Depending on your coverage, Medi-Cal may provide access to:
These services are also identified among Medi-Cal’s essential health benefits in the Orange County Social Services Agency program materials.
Who May Be Eligible?
Medi-Cal eligibility can depend on several factors, including:
For older adults in particular, eligibility can be complicated because different rules may apply depending on individual circumstances. Our Community Enrollment Specialists can help you understand the application or renewal process and what information may be required.
Important Upcoming Medi-Cal Changes
Beginning January 1, 2026, California reinstated an asset check for certain non-MAGI Medi-Cal applicants and recipients, including adults age 65 and older, people with disabilities, and individuals in nursing homes.The current limits listed by Orange County Social Services Agency are $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10 people. The new limit will be $21,000.
Work and Community Engagement: Adults ages 19-64 who get Medi-Cal through the Affordable Care Act expansion will need to meet Work & Community Engagement requirements to get and keep Medi-Cal coverage, unless they qualify for exemptions.
6-Month Renewals: Effective January 1, 2027. Current members will move to six-month renewals at their 2027 annual renewal, beginning with those due in March 2027.
Not sure what these changes mean for you? We can help.
CalFresh Enrollment Assistance
Healthy Food. Extra Support for Your Budget.
CalFresh provides food assistance to eligible low-income residents through an easy-to-use Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. For older adults living on a fixed or limited income, CalFresh can provide additional support for the household food budget.
CalFresh benefits can be used for:
Our Specialists Can Help You:
Who We Help
The Medi-Cal Enrollment Program primarily serves Orange County Medi-Cal-eligible residents and others who may need assistance navigating the enrollment or renewal process.
You may benefit from our services if you:
We also welcome referrals from family members, caregivers, health care providers, and community partners.
Get Help or Make a Referral
Need Help With Medi-Cal or CalFresh?
Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing your benefits, responding to a notice, or simply have questions, our Community Enrollment Specialists are here to help.