COVID-19 Medi-Cal Hospital Presumptive Eligibility flexibility

The Hospital Presumptive Eligibility Program (HPE) allows qualified individuals immediate access to temporary, no cost Medi-Cal while applying for permanent Medi-Cal or other coverage.  The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is allowing telephonic signatures for Medi-Cal Hospital Presumptive Eligibility.  If the individual is not at the hospital and not experiencing an urgent health event which requires immediate care, the individual can apply for Medi-Cal online using the Covered California portal.  (DHCS notice, April 2, 2020.)