Hello, I'm Jacky Hieu Lee, an enrollment specialist at Bình An. Every week I help Vietnamese families in Westminster enroll in Medi-Cal, and I want to share the exact process we follow — so you know what to expect, with no surprises.
Medi-Cal is California's free or low-cost health insurance for people with limited income. In Orange County, Medi-Cal is managed by CalOptima — an independent county-organized health system. CalOptima now serves more than 900,000 members, and a large share of them are Vietnamese. If you are Vietnamese with limited income, you likely qualify — even if you do not have legal status. Since 2024, California has expanded Medi-Cal to adults ages 26 through 49 regardless of immigration status (the 'Medi-Cal for Adults' expansion).
One thing Jacky Hieu Lee always reminds clients: CalOptima is urging residents to act before eligibility changes take effect January 1, 2026. If you are already covered, you must complete your renewal — skip it and you can lose your insurance. That is why I, Jacky Hieu Lee, reach out to remind each family when renewal season comes.
Step 1 — Check whether you qualify: You qualify if your household income is at or below the set limit (for example, about $20,783/year for one adult, or about $43,056/year for a family of four, at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level for adults). Pregnant women, children, people 65 and older, and people with disabilities have more generous limits. You can check quickly at BenefitsCal.com or call Bình An — Jacky Hieu Lee will check for you, free.
Step 2 — Gather documents: Following CalOptima and California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) guidance, you need: (1) identity such as a passport or California driver's license; (2) proof of income — pay stubs, an employment verification letter, or self-employment records; (3) proof of residence — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement; (4) a Social Security number if you have one (not required if you don't); and (5) immigration documents if you have them. I, Jacky Hieu Lee, usually sit with each client to check every document before we submit — because one wrong paper can delay the case a week.
Step 3 — Submit the application: You have four options. First, apply online at BenefitsCal.com — the state's official benefits portal. Second, download the Vietnamese application form from DHCS and mail it. Third, visit the Orange County Social Services Agency office in person. Fourth, talk to an enrollment navigator through a community partner like Bình An. At Bình An, Jacky Hieu Lee and our team help you complete the form and translate documents into English — completely free.
Step 4 — Choose CalOptima: Once Orange County approves your Medi-Cal eligibility, you'll be asked to pick a managed care plan. Choose CalOptima — it is the only Medi-Cal managed care plan in Orange County. Jacky Hieu Lee will help you fill out the CalOptima selection form and explain plan options (such as a standard HMO, or OneCare for people who qualify for both Medi-Cal and Medicare).
Step 5 — After approval: You will receive a BIC (Benefits Identification Card) within 2–3 weeks. Call CalOptima to choose a Vietnamese-speaking doctor in the network. This is the step I, Jacky Hieu Lee, watch most closely — because having a card without a Vietnamese-speaking doctor still leaves you stuck. I often help clients call CalOptima and specifically request a Vietnamese-speaking doctor near their home.
Step 6 — Renew every year: Medi-Cal requires annual renewal. You'll get a letter from Orange County asking you to update your information. Do not ignore this letter — Jacky Hieu Lee has seen too many people lose coverage simply because they forgot to renew. We remind you 60 days ahead and help you fill it out again.
A tip from Jacky Hieu Lee: If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for both Medi-Cal and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) at the same time. Ask us about enrolling in both together. If you are pregnant, Medi-Cal fully covers prenatal and postpartum care. And if you are denied the first time, don't give up — Jacky Hieu Lee helps you file an appeal within 90 days.
A common question: 'If I don't have documents, is my information safe?' Jacky Hieu Lee's answer: California law protects your health information; Medi-Cal application data is not shared with immigration enforcement for routine removal purposes. Still, I always recommend clients speak with an immigration navigator before applying if their case is complex.
Need help? Call Bình An — Jacky Hieu Lee will walk with you through the entire process, from paperwork to your first appointment. All of our services are free, confidential, and in Vietnamese.