Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Program

The Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Medi-Cal program expands coverage for individuals who are over 65, blind and/or living with disabilities. The ABD program allows those individuals to have higher income while still being eligible to a zero Share of Cost (SOC).

What is the process?

Medi-Cal Application

You can apply for Medi-Cal by: 

  • Phone, Fax or In Person 
    • See the locations, directions and hours of operation for each office below 
  • Online

Application Received and Verified

Once a Medi-Cal Application is received the information is verified, that information is then compared to the criteria of the many different Medi-Cal programs available.

Eligibility Approved

If eligible, the Approval Notice of Action will have instructions on how to use Medi-Cal. You will also separately receive important documents/cards for your coverage:

  • A plastic Benefits Identification Card called a BIC
    • Keep this card even if your Medi-Cal discontinues 
    • If a new BIC is needed, contact the worker listed on the Notice of Action 
  • A welcome packet including an eligibility card from CenCal, San Luis Obispo County’s Managed Care company

Notification of Approval/Denial

Results of the approval or denial of your Medi-Cal application will be sent to you in writing.

Who is eligible?

This service is available to people who are over 65 years of age and Disabled (according to Social Security standards) individuals.

Is there a charge for this service?

Medi-Cal does not have a premium or charge for the service. However, certain Medi-Cal programs do have a Share of Cost (SOC). The SOC is a monthly deductible in a dollar amount that an individual or household would have to pay in medical expenses before Medi-Cal covers the costs. Not all cases will have a SOC.

When and where is this service offered?

Applications for programs can be done by phone, fax, online, and in person at any of the six Department of Social Service Offices or online at www.coveredca.com or BenefitsCal.  Offices are open 8-5 Monday – Friday excluding holidays.

 

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Monday - Friday 8-5


1086 East Grand Avenue
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Tel: (805) 474-2000

Monday - Friday 8-5


9630 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422

Tel: (805) 461-6000

Monday - Friday 8-5


600 Quintana Road
Morro Bay , CA 93442

Tel: (805) 772-6405

Fax: (805) 772-6409

Monday - Friday 8-5


681 West Tefft Street Suite 1
Nipomo, CA 93444

Tel: (805) 931-1800

Monday - Friday 8-5


406 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

Tel: (805) 237-3110

Monday - Friday 8-5


3433 South Higuera
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-1600

FAQS

No, as of January 1st, 2024, property is no longer considered to determine if someone can receive Medi-Cal.
Yes, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a program designed to help low-income elderly, blind or disabled individuals, including children, in remaining safely in their own homes. It can serve as an alternative to out-of-home care options such as nursing homes or board and care facilities. To be eligible for IHSS, applicants must:
  • Be a California resident
  • Have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination
  • Live at home or an abode of individual’s choosing
  • Submit a completed Health Care Certification form
For more information, visit In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program.
Your local Medi-Cal office reviews your eligibility once a year. The county will mail out a renewal packet to be filled out by you and it must be returned with any necessary verifications, including proof of current income.
  • Make sure to update the county with any address changes and check your mail for important documentation sent to you.

Medi-Cal can be used for allowable medical services with providers who accept it. Providers can include hospitals, physicians, pharmacies and durable medical equipment. The following may be covered: 
 

  • Outpatient (ambulatory) services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment.
  • Prescription drugs
  • Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as rehabilitative and habilitative services) and devices
  • Laboratory services
  • Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
Cencal is the Managed Care company that administers Medi-Cal benefits in San Luis Obispo County. They provide accessible and cost-effective health care, including helping recipients with:
  • Finding doctors, pharmacies and health education programs
  • Care coordination
  • Ongoing referrals to specialists
  • 24-hour Nurse Advice telephone services
For more information, visit Cencalhealth.org or call (877) 814-1861.