DHCS recently issued guidance around Medi-Cal residency requirements for students either from out-of-state who attend California schools or California residents who attend out-of-state schools. If otherwise eligible, those students who come to California to attend school may apply for Medi-Cal (all other eligibility rules apply). Similarly, Medi-Cal beneficiaries who leave California to attend school can continue their Medi-Cal eligibility assuming they are still otherwise eligible. These beneficiaries may also apply for Medicaid in the state in which they attend school.
Parents/caretakers and households would also retain Medi-Cal eligibility if the only child or one child attends school out of state. Medi-Cal will only cover emergency services as long as the provider agrees to accept Medi-Cal. DHCS ACWDL 15-23 (7/9/15).