Medi-Cal Benefits for Students Attending College Out of County

When a student attends college in a different county, the family needs to inform the county of this change.  The county will update only the student’s address in SAWS and MEDS.  This change will trigger change in health plans where applicable, and the student can pick a new health plan based on the student’s college address.  Until the student enrolls in a new plan, Medi-Cal benefits will be administered on a fee for service basis.  If a student returns home for a school break and needs services, the student will need to update the address of record.

DHCS has issued this guidance along with a Frequently Asked Questions.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-32 (10/20/15).