Get to know your Medi-Cal benefits
Learn how Medi-Cal works. Find out how Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan can help. For details, visit the benefits page or your Member Handbook (Evidence of Coverage).
Many ways to get the care you need
From routine checkups to emergencies, your Medi-Cal plan helps you find the right doctor or hospital. You’ll see your primary care provider (PCP) for annual checkups, routine medical needs, and health screenings. If you need to see a specialist, your PCP will refer you to one.
If you’re new to the plan, schedule a preventive care visit with your PCP as soon as possible. This is also known as an Initial Health Appointment (IHA). It will start a relationship with your doctor and help keep you healthy. You can change your PCP at any time.
When your PCP is not available, you can still get care
Nurse advice line
Get health advice on the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from a registered nurse. English- and Spanish-speaking nurses are available. Interpreters are available for other languages.
Talk to a registered nurse
Online doctor visits
Talk to a doctor on the phone or by video chat. A doctor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Interpreting services are available.
Access Teladoc
Urgent care center
Go to urgent care if your condition is not life-threatening, your PCP is not available, or if it’s after hours.
Learn more about Urgent Care
Mental health, vision, and dental
Mental health
Mental health specialists are available to help with personal, family, or work issues. There are three ways to find a mental health specialist.
- Call Blue Shield Promise’s Behavioral Health Line at (855) 765-9701 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays
- Find a doctor online, or
- Talk to your PCP
Vision
Every 24 months, you can have a routine eye exam and eyeglasses. You might need to get pre-approval for additional services as necessary. Your vision benefits are either offered through VSP or your medical group. There are two ways to find a vision care provider.
- Call Customer Care at (800) 605-2556 (TTY: 711) for Los Angeles and (855) 699-5557 for San Diego
- Find a doctor online
Dental
Get dental care through the Medi-Cal Dental program. The Department of California Health Services (DHCS) provides this program. Call (800) 322-6384 or TTY: (800) 735-2929, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Go to the Medi-Cal Dental program
Pharmacy
Your prescriptions are available at pharmacies that work with the Medi-Cal Rx program. The Department of California Health Services (DHCS) provides this program. The Medi-Cal Rx Pharmacy Directory has a list of pharmacies. Show your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) when you go to the pharmacy.
Programs to help you stay healthy
Maternity
Having a baby? Learn more about our Maternity Program online or call (888) 802-4410 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Disease management
You have access to services to help improve your health and quality of life. This includes health assessments, care plans, and health education. Call (866) 692-5059 (TTY: 711), 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, to see if you qualify.
Well-being
Wellvolution® helps you manage diabetes, lose weight, control blood pressure, and reduce stress. There is no extra cost to you.
Health education
We offer monthly classes, appointments with a Health Educator, and a variety of helpful brochures. These are available at no cost to you. Call Customer Care at (800) 605-2556 (TTY: 711).
Additional services
Care management
Care managers are available to help with your healthcare needs. This will come at no cost to you. Call Customer Care at (800) 605-2556 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
Community resource centers in Los Angeles County
With L.A. Care Health Plan, we offer community resource centers you can visit in person. It’s a safe space in your community. We offer many classes and programs that are free and open to everyone, such as:
- Fitness, nutrition & health education classes
- Social services help for housing, financial literacy, food security and support groups
- On-site Medi-Cal enrollment and renewal support
Transportation
Need a ride to an appointment or to pick up a medication? Call Blue Shield Promise transportation services at (877) 433-2178 (TTY:711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Interpreters & accessibility
Interpreter services are offered in person and over the phone. If you are hard of hearing, you can access American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. Accessible formats such as braille are also available. These come at no cost to you.
Learn more about getting language help.
Frequently asked questions
View the most common questions and answers about Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal.
Appeals & grievances
Find out how to file a complaint (also known as a grievance) or an appeal.
Rights & responsibilities
As a Medi-Cal member, you have rights. Discover your right to language help, non-discrimination, and much more.
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