How many community members have heard the term “redetermination” lately? If you, your family, friends, neighbors, or loved ones receive Medi-Cal benefits, this word will have a significant impact on them, as well as on the lives of nearly 15.8 million California residents.

When you apply for Medi-Cal benefits, the government “determines” your eligibility for services. Under “normal” times, you must renew your eligibility – or “redetermine” that you qualify for these benefits – every year. This means they want to review whether your income, living arrangements, or other resources have changed. This requirement was temporarily postponed during the pandemic, but has now resumed. However, it is very important that everyone redetermine their Medi-Cal eligibility to avoid discontinuation of benefits.

Trust us when we say redetermination is far easier than reapplying for Medi-Cal all over again, which is what happens if your benefits expire. If you have to start all over again, it could mean you wouldn’t have the same doctors, providers, or hospitals; it could mean that your prescriptions are interrupted and renewals are delayed.

We want to make sure our community remains healthy and receives the health benefits that help you stay healthy. If you currently receive Medi-Cal, here’s what you can do…

Groups of people will need to respond to redetermination forms sent to them in the mail. If you first enrolled for Medi-Cal in June of a previous year, you will be in the first group of people to receive a form in the mail. The next group will be sent forms if they originally enrolled in July, and so on. We have been informed that the redetermination forms will likely arrive in a large yellow envelope.

Each group will have up to three months to redetermine their eligibility. They will also try to reach you by phone. Be sure NOT to talk to anyone who requests a fee to help you; if you need help completing your forms, this can be provided for free. Don’t let anyone scam you.

It’s important to respond within the 3-month period in one of these ways:

• Fill out the forms you receive in the mail, and send them back to: San Francisco Human Services Agency, P.O. Box 7988, San Francisco, CA 94120
• Call the San Francisco Human Services Agency for help with your application at (415) 558-4700.
• Go in person to obtain support at 1440 Harrison Street or 1235 Mission Street, 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday.

If you have moved or changed your phone number since you first applied for Medi-Cal, you may not receive the information you need to review your eligibility. If that is the case, please contact the San Francisco Human Services Agency at (415) 558-4700 to provide your updated contact information.

Let’s make sure our communities remain connected to their healthcare benefits. Pass this information on to your family and friends!