Medi-Cal extends coverage to undocumented children

As early as May 16, undocumented Bay Area children 18 years and younger will be eligible for the entire scope of health coverage under Medi-Cal, as long as they meet other eligibility requirements, officials with the Alameda County Social Service Agency said Friday.

Families with children who are receiving restricted Medi-Cal coverage will automatically start receiving the full scope of coverage.

Parents and guardians do not need to provide immigration papers to apply for services and coverage will not affect a person’s application to be a resident, agency officials said.

The full scope of Medi-Cal services includes hospitalization, prevention and wellness treatments, chronic disease management and pediatric care.

Agency officials said they anticipate that more than 3,000 children in Alameda County will transition to the full scope of services.

Medi-Cal is a California program providing free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income.