Health insurance plans in California must provide a comprehensive package of items and services, known as essential health benefits. If you have Medi-Cal health insurance, mental health services are a covered benefit. These services can be accessed through your Medi-Cal managed care plan or from Medi-Cal providers who pay per service. Other mental health services are only available through County Mental Health Plans (MHP).The mental health services provided by MHPs are called Medi-Cal Specialized Mental Health Services (SMHS).
This publication focuses on SMHS for adults 21 and older. Inpatient hospitalization covers up to 30 to 45 days per admission or year, and partial hospitalization covers up to 60 days a year. California is the first state to create a health insurance marketplace in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. The California Health Exchange allows you to compare different health care plans in a simple format, based on coverage and price. In addition to the four plans offered, Covered California also provides a minimum coverage plan for people age 30 and younger who don't qualify for premium assistance.
