Kids' health coverage & doctors, sourced

Coverage for kids: Medi-Cal

California's public health program is Medi-Cal. For children the rules are more generous than for adults.

• The state health department (DHCS) says: “Children (0–18 years old) can get full Medi-Cal coverage, no matter their immigration status.” Medi-Cal still has income and residency rules, so that doesn't mean every child qualifies — apply and let the county decide.Source: DHCS: Medi-Cal immigrant eligibility FAQ →
• You can apply any time of year online at BenefitsCal or Covered California, by phone, by mail, or in person at a county office. DHCS lists Covered California's line as 1-800-300-1506 (TTY 1-888-889-4500). Confirm current numbers on the DHCS page before you call.Source: DHCS: apply for Medi-Cal →
• Los Angeles County's social services department says you can apply for Medi-Cal any time online or through Covered California, and points to 211 LA for help.Source: LA County DPSS: health coverage →
• In Orange County, the Health Care Agency's Health Referral Line, (800) 564-8448 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm), helps with Medi-Cal applications, CalOptima enrollment and finding public health clinics.Source: OC Health Care Agency: referral line →
• Adults are different, and it changed in 2026: DHCS says that since January 1, 2026, adults without satisfactory immigration status can no longer newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal. That does not apply to children. Ask a county worker or a legal-aid group how it affects the adults in your household.Source: DHCS: Medi-Cal immigrant eligibility FAQ →

If you don't qualify for Medi-Cal: Covered California

• Covered California's open enrollment runs November 1 through January 31. Moving to California from out of state is a qualifying life event that opens a special enrollment period of 60 days.Source: Covered California: qualifying life events →
• Financial help is changing: Covered California says that from January 1, 2027 only certain immigrant groups, such as lawful permanent residents (green card holders), will be eligible for help paying for insurance, and that the changes are subject to future court decisions.Source: Covered California: important changes →
• While you shop, you can look up whether your child's doctor, hospital or dentist is in a plan's network — confirm with the provider before you enroll.Source: Covered California: check your providers →

Finding a pediatrician (and when to skip the doctor)

• Once you have a plan, use its provider directory to pick an in-network pediatrician and call to register as a new patient. On Medi-Cal, Health Care Options can help you choose a plan and doctor at (800) 430-4263 (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm).Source: Medi-Cal Health Care Options →
• Community health centers give primary care, including for children, on a sliding fee scale whether or not you're insured, and HRSA says no patient is denied service for inability to pay. Find one near you with the federal health-center locator.Source: HRSA: find a health center →
• Rady Children's says go to an emergency room if a child's condition is life- or limb-threatening or you're not sure. Warning signs include difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, coughing or vomiting blood, severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, and changes in mental status. Urgent care fits sprains, minor cuts, ear infections, sore throats and rashes.Source: Rady Children's: urgent care or emergency →
• The American Academy of Pediatrics adds: “When in doubt, call your pediatrician's office” — many have after-hours nurse lines.Source: HealthyChildren.org (AAP) →

School vaccines and low-cost shots

• For California schools, students entering TK/K through 12th grade need: DTaP/Tdap 5 doses (fewer are accepted if one was given at or after the 4th birthday), polio 4 doses, hepatitis B 3 doses, MMR 2 doses and varicella (chickenpox) 2 doses. Students advancing to 7th grade also need one Tdap dose. Schools check records before entry.Source: CDPH: TK–12 immunization requirements →
• The Vaccines for Children program covers children from birth through 18 who have Medi-Cal, are uninsured, are American Indian or Alaska Native, or are underinsured (underinsured children can get it at community health centers).Source: CDPH: VFC eligibility →
• Orange County's Health Care Agency immunization clinic gives free vaccines to uninsured children 2 months to 18 years at 1725 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, phone (800) 914-4887 (Mon–Fri, closed for lunch). Los Angeles County lists low-cost clinics at ph.lacounty.gov/vaccineclinics, and San Diego County's Public Health Centers offer vaccines to uninsured children — check each county page for current hours.Source: OC Health Care Agency: free & low-cost clinics →

Help lines

• Dial 2-1-1 anywhere in Southern California for free, confidential help finding health care, food and housing resources in many languages. 211 LA is also (800) 339-6993 and runs 24/7.Source: 211 LA →
• In a life-threatening emergency call 911 — it works from any phone and doesn't depend on insurance or immigration status.Source: Rady Children's guidance →