What Medi-Cal Programs are Available for Pregnancy-Related Services?

Eligibility Team
Researcher & Writer
February 05, 2016

In addition to other Medi-Cal benefits, there are multiple programs that will cover pregnancy-related services. The services covered under these programs are pretty extensive and include: pre-conception counseling, birth control, prenatal care, abortions, birthing services, and post-partum care. The key is finding the program for your specific needs that you are eligible to participate in.

Income Disregard Program – 200% Program. – This program provides healthcare coverage for pregnant women and postpartum women whose family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Pregnant women are not required to meet the normal property restrictions for eligibility. It provides coverage throughout the pregnancy and for 60 days after birth or the end of the pregnancy.

The services covered under this program are extensive and will fill the needs of most individuals. The income limit is relatively high, so it will cover a significant number of women, and there are no age limitations for this program. Although it is also listed as a children’s program, it covers all pregnant women, regardless of age.

Postpartum Program. – This program is available for women up to 60 days following the end of their pregnancy. It does not matter if the pregnancy ended with birth, miscarriage, or termination. It does not include a share of cost for the patient, and it is set up for women that were covered by the Medically Indigent Program during their pregnancy, or who otherwise need specific post-partum care services.

Presumptive Eligibility Program – This is a temporary program to provide immediate prenatal care while the woman waits to hear back on her eligibility for a long-term program. Under this program, she will be able to see a doctor, get started on prenatal vitamins, and get any other prenatal services that are needed prior to her eligibility being verified.

Minor Consent Program – This program provides pregnancy-related services including prenatal care, birth control, and abortions for females under the age of 21 years old, who are unmarried and still claimed as dependents by their parents. Eligibility for this program is based on the minor’s income and resources, and it does not require parental consent or notification. Unlike other programs, eligibility for this program needs to be predetermined every month. Minors can utilize these program once or on an ongoing basis.

Medically Indigent (MI) Program – This program will cover pregnancy-related services for women under the age of 21 that are not eligible for the medically needy program. It is based on financial need and covers a broad demographic.

Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment (PACT) – This plan provides contraception, fertility treatments, emergency contraception, pregnancy counseling, pregnancy testing, and pre-conception counseling. This program is for women who only need these particular services. It is a need-based program, opposed to an ongoing program. Once the services are no longer needed, the coverage ends.

Pregnancy related services are examples of services that can be most often applied for when visiting a doctor or clinic for the services needed.

Eligibility Team
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Eligibility Team
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