Answers to Common Questions

CenCal Health is your MediCal Managed Care health insurance plan for those who have Medi-Cal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The local Department of Social Services determines your eligibility for Medi-Cal. Once you become eligible, you are automatically enrolled as a member of CenCal Health.

CenCal Health sends you a “new member packet” that includes your ID card and a handbook with information about how to use the health plan. Don’t throw the packet away! You may need to refer to it later.

When you first become eligible for Medi-Cal, the State of California will send you a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC). The new BIC has State of California written on top and has pictures of poppy flowers. If you have been on Medi-Cal before or are currently on Medi-Cal your current BIC, which is a white card with blue writing, is still valid and will not be reissued unless you lose your card. Your BIC will be used by doctors and providers to verify your Medi-Cal eligibility. You may be asked to show both your CenCal Health ID card and your BIC card when you go to medical appointments, so always carry them with you.

This is your main doctor who oversees your care and refers you to the other services you need. Your “new member packet” contains a Provider Directory, a list of doctors on our health plan, and a form for selecting a doctor. If you already see a doctor, let us know who it is. If you don’t have a doctor, you need to pick a one or you will be assigned to one. If you need help selecting a doctor, or if you ever want to change your PCP, you can call our Member Services Department.

 

It is important to have a good relationship with your PCP. Good health care needs a team effort between you and your doctor. If you would like to change to another PCP, call our Member Services Department and ask for help to change to a new PCP. You can request to change your PCP at any time. This change will be effective the first day of the next month.