California Department of Health Care Services: Services, Phone & Records
Most people searching for the California Department of Health Care Services, DHCS, Medi-Cal phone number, Medi-Cal renewal, BenefitsCal login, county Medi-Cal office, Medi-Cal Dental, Medi-Cal Rx, Ombudsman, or DHCS records need a clear service route—not a long agency history.
This plain-English guide helps California residents, seniors, caregivers, families, providers, and out-of-state users choose the correct official DHCS page before calling, applying, renewing coverage, filing a complaint, requesting records, reporting fraud, or visiting an office. It is an independent guide and does not replace DHCS.ca.gov, BenefitsCal, Covered California, CDPH Vital Records, or county Medi-Cal offices.
Quick answer: what California DHCS helps with in 2026
The California Department of Health Care Services, often searched as DHCS, California Department of Health Care Services phone number, California Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal renewal, BenefitsCal, or Medi-Cal records, is the state agency for Medi-Cal and major health care service programs. DHCS is different from the California Department of Public Health, which handles many statewide public health and vital records topics.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Helpful tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medi-Cal phone number | DHCS Medi-Cal contact / helpline | Benefits Identification Card, county, case number if available, date of birth, and callback number | For eligibility and renewal, your county office is often the right route. |
| Apply for Medi-Cal | BenefitsCal, Covered California, county office, phone, mail or in person | Household size, income, address, immigration or citizenship details if requested, tax filing status and current coverage | Medi-Cal enrollment is open year-round. |
| Renew Medi-Cal | BenefitsCal or county Medi-Cal office | Yellow renewal envelope, proof requested, income changes, household changes, address, phone and email | Medi-Cal never charges a fee to submit a renewal. |
| Find county Medi-Cal office | DHCS County Offices finder | County name or ZIP code | County offices handle eligibility, renewal, reporting changes and many case questions. |
| Medi-Cal managed care plan | Health Care Options and Managed Care Health Plan Directory | County, plan name, member ID, doctor or clinic preference, language needs | Call 1-800-430-4263 for Health Care Options. |
| Medi-Cal Dental | Medi-Cal Dental | Member information, dentist question, county, appointment issue or claim question | Member customer service is 1-800-322-6384. |
| Medi-Cal Rx / pharmacy | Medi-Cal Rx Customer Service Center | Prescription name, pharmacy, member ID, prior authorization issue, date of service | Medi-Cal Rx customer service is 1-800-977-2273. |
| Complaint or health plan problem | Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman | Health plan name, county, issue timeline, notices, denial letters and provider details | The Ombudsman phone is 1-888-452-8609. |
| Public records request | DHCS Public Records Act page or DHCS PRA portal | Record type, program, date range, subject, and whether you need agency records or your personal health information | Public records are not the same as medical records from your doctor. |
| Birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate | California Department of Public Health Vital Records or county recorder/registrar | Name, date, county, ID, relationship proof and payment method | These are usually CDPH or county records, not DHCS records. |
For California DHCS tasks, the fastest path is usually choosing the correct system first: BenefitsCal for Medi-Cal applications and renewals, county offices for eligibility and case changes, Health Care Options for plan enrollment, Medi-Cal Dental for dental, Medi-Cal Rx for pharmacy, the Ombudsman for plan problems, and CDPH or county recorders for vital records.
California DHCS route finder: choose the correct service before calling or uploading documents
Use this route finder for common search intents like “California Department of Health Care Services phone number,” “Medi-Cal login,” “Medi-Cal renewal,” “BenefitsCal,” “Medi-Cal records,” “DHCS complaint,” “Medi-Cal fraud,” and “county Medi-Cal office near me.”
California DHCS task router
Select your need. The safest route will appear below.
California Department of Health Care Services phone number and call script
DHCS has multiple phone numbers because Medi-Cal eligibility, managed care, dental, pharmacy, mental health, providers, public records and fraud reporting are different programs. Calling the wrong number can waste time, especially for seniors and caregivers.
1-800-541-5555
DHCS Medi-Cal helpline / Telephone Service Center for many beneficiary and provider questions.
Open contact1-800-430-4263
Medi-Cal managed care plan enrollment help. TTY: 1-800-430-7077.
Open HCO1-800-977-2273
Pharmacy customer service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open Rx| Need | Phone or route | Prepare before calling |
|---|---|---|
| Medi-Cal eligibility, benefits, BIC, basic member question | 1-800-541-5555 | Benefits Identification Card, county, case number, date of birth and mailing address. |
| County eligibility or renewal case | County Medi-Cal office | County name, ZIP code, renewal notice, proof requested and BenefitsCal account if any. |
| Managed care plan choice or enrollment | 1-800-430-4263; TTY 1-800-430-7077 | County, preferred doctor, clinic, language, current plan and member details. |
| Ombudsman for plan or mental health access problem | 1-888-452-8609 | Health plan name, denial letter, provider details, dates and complaint history. |
| Medi-Cal Dental | 1-800-322-6384 | Dental issue, provider name, appointment problem, member information and county. |
| Medi-Cal Rx | 1-800-977-2273 | Prescription name, pharmacy, prior authorization issue and member information. |
| Medi-Cal fraud | 1-800-822-6222 | Names, provider, dates, claim issue, suspicious bill, card misuse or other fraud facts. |
| Birth, death, marriage or divorce record | CDPH Vital Records or county recorder/registrar | Do not call DHCS first unless your issue is specifically Medi-Cal related. |
Use a short call script
Say: “I need help with [Medi-Cal application, renewal, county office, managed care plan, dental, pharmacy, Ombudsman, records, fraud, provider billing, or public records]. My county is [county]. Which official DHCS page or office handles this?”
Say your county early. Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Alameda, Sacramento, Fresno, Contra Costa, Ventura, Kern, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and other counties may have different county Medi-Cal office contacts and managed care plan options.
Apply for Medi-Cal: BenefitsCal, Covered California, county office, phone, mail or in person
If your search is “California Department of Health Care Services apply,” “Medi-Cal application,” “BenefitsCal Medi-Cal,” or “Covered California Medi-Cal,” the main goal is to apply through an official route and keep a copy of what you submit.
Apply and manage benefits online
BenefitsCal is the state benefits portal used to apply for and manage Medi-Cal and other county benefits online.
Open BenefitsCalMarketplace route
Covered California can help users apply for Medi-Cal and, if not eligible, shop for low-cost health plans.
Open CoveredCAPhone, in person or mail
Your county office can help with Medi-Cal applications, eligibility and follow-up documents.
Find countyPrepare the application details first
Have household members, income, tax filing status, address, phone, email, immigration or citizenship documents if requested, current health coverage, pregnancy details, and any county notices ready before starting.
Use county help when the application is confusing
County offices can help explain missing documents, case status, household changes, renewal questions and eligibility notices. This is especially helpful for seniors, caregivers, people with language needs, and users who received a notice in the mail.
Medi-Cal applications and renewals should not require paying a helper. Be careful if someone asks for money to submit a Medi-Cal application or renewal.
Renew Medi-Cal and keep coverage: yellow envelope, BenefitsCal and county office steps
If you searched “California Department of Health Care Services renewal,” “Medi-Cal renewal,” “keep Medi-Cal,” “yellow envelope,” or “BenefitsCal renewal,” focus on deadlines. Some members renew automatically, but others must return a renewal form and proof.
| Renewal item | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow renewal envelope | Open it immediately and read the deadline. | Waiting until the due date and missing proof documents. |
| BenefitsCal account | Log in or create an account when online renewal is available for your case. | Using an old county portal or wrong login page. |
| Income proof | Submit pay stubs, tax information or other proof requested on the form. | Sending proof that does not match the requested period. |
| Household changes | Report marriage, divorce, pregnancy, birth, adoption, move, income change or other coverage. | Not updating address, phone or household size. |
| Missing information notice | Respond quickly if your county asks for more information. | Assuming coverage is safe after submitting only part of the renewal. |
Use the official Keep Your Medi-Cal page
DHCS explains that members should update information and return renewal forms quickly when the county needs more information. The renewal FAQ also explains that not every member receives a form; some are renewed based on information already available.
Update your information within 10 days when it changes
Report address, phone, email, income, household and other coverage changes to your county office or through the proper online route. Address changes are especially important because renewal notices are sent by mail.
If your Medi-Cal ended because you missed renewal paperwork, read the notice carefully. DHCS renewal guidance explains that some members may turn in missing information within a limited period without a brand-new application. Contact your county office quickly.
Find your California county Medi-Cal office: eligibility, renewal, case updates and local help
County Medi-Cal offices handle eligibility and many case-specific questions. If you need help applying, renewing, reporting a change, submitting proof, replacing a notice, or understanding a county letter, the county office may be the correct route.
Search by county or ZIP
Use the DHCS county office tool to find the right office for your location.
Turn in proof
County offices review renewal forms and missing information for eligibility.
Report changes
Update address, income, household size, pregnancy, birth, move or other health coverage.
Ask for help
You can ask for free language assistance through county Medi-Cal routes.
Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Santa Clara County, Alameda County, Sacramento County, Fresno County, Contra Costa County, Kern County, San Francisco County, Ventura County, San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County may have different office pages and local call routes. Use the DHCS county finder before visiting.
Medi-Cal benefits: doctor visits, dental, eye exams, medicine and care access
If you searched “California Department of Health Care Services benefits,” “what does Medi-Cal cover,” or “Medi-Cal services,” DHCS’s Medi-Cal pages explain that Medi-Cal pays for doctor visits, dental care, eye exams, medicine and more, depending on eligibility, plan, medical necessity and program rules.
Doctor and clinic care
Primary care, specialist referrals, preventive care and managed care plan access depend on your plan and county.
Dental care and eye exams
Use Medi-Cal Dental and your plan resources for dental provider and covered service questions.
Medi-Cal Rx
Use Medi-Cal Rx for pharmacy benefit, prior authorization and prescription access questions.
Start with the “Use your Medi-Cal” route after approval
After you are approved, learn how to use your Benefits Identification Card, health plan, provider network, dental benefits and pharmacy benefits. Your county and plan can help if you are unsure which card or provider to use.
For a denied service, delayed appointment, plan confusion or urgent managed care access problem, save notices and call your plan first. If the issue is not resolved, the Ombudsman route may help.
Medi-Cal managed care plan: Health Care Options, plan directory, doctor changes and county differences
Medi-Cal managed care plan choices can depend on your county. If you need to choose, change or understand a plan, use Medi-Cal Health Care Options and the DHCS Managed Care Health Plan Directory.
Choose or change plan
Call 1-800-430-4263, TTY 1-800-430-7077, Monday through Friday for managed care plan enrollment help.
Contact HCOFind your county plan
Use the managed care health plan directory to confirm plan options and plan contact details by county.
Plan directoryCheck your doctor or clinic before selecting a plan
Ask whether your current doctor, clinic, specialist, pharmacy or hospital works with the plan you are considering. Plan networks and provider availability can change.
If you move to another California county, report the change to your county office. Your managed care plan options may change after an inter-county transfer.
Medi-Cal Dental and Medi-Cal Rx: dental provider, pharmacy, prescription and prior authorization help
Dental and pharmacy questions often have separate contact routes from general Medi-Cal eligibility. Use these routes when your issue is about a dentist, dental appointment, dental claim, pharmacy access, prescription rejection or prior authorization.
1-800-322-6384
Use Medi-Cal Dental for member dental provider help, dental managed care contacts and dental benefit questions.
Open Dental1-800-977-2273
Use Medi-Cal Rx for pharmacy customer service, prescription coverage, prior authorization and pharmacy processing issues.
Open Rx| Problem | Best route | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Need a dentist | Medi-Cal Dental | County, member details, language needs, distance you can travel and dental issue. |
| Dental appointment problem | Medi-Cal Dental or dental managed care contact | Dentist name, date, denied service, appointment attempts and plan details. |
| Prescription rejected at pharmacy | Medi-Cal Rx | Drug name, pharmacy, member ID, date, rejection message and prescriber name. |
| Prior authorization delay | Medi-Cal Rx and prescriber office | Prescription, diagnosis if relevant, prescriber contact and pharmacy details. |
Medi-Cal Ombudsman, managed care complaint, mental health access and urgent plan problems
The Medi-Cal Managed Care and Mental Health Office of the Ombudsman helps with issues between Medi-Cal managed care members and health plans, and certain managed care or mental health service access concerns. The Ombudsman is not a substitute for emergency care.
1-888-452-8609
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, excluding holidays.
Open OmbudsmanMMCDOmbudsmanOffice@dhcs.ca.gov
Use official Ombudsman contact information and avoid sending unnecessary private details by unsecured email.
Open officeDo not wait
For life-threatening symptoms, danger or urgent medical emergency, use emergency services immediately.
Safety noteCollect your plan problem details
Prepare your plan name, county, member ID, provider or clinic, dates of calls, denial notices, appeal status, medication or service involved, and what you need resolved.
If calling for someone else, ask what authorization, representative status or permission is needed before discussing the member’s case. Have the member nearby when possible.
California DHCS records: public records, Medi-Cal records, protected health information and wrong-record warnings
“DHCS records” can mean several different things. Public Records Act requests, Medi-Cal member records, medical records from your doctor, health plan records, pharmacy records and birth certificates are not the same route.
Agency records
Use the DHCS Public Records Act route for public records held by the department.
Open PRAAsk your provider
DHCS says Medi-Cal members’ providers have their health records. Ask your provider for your medical chart.
Member recordsUse official forms
For certain protected health information requests, use DHCS official access or authorization forms.
Open form| Record type | Usually correct route | Do not confuse with |
|---|---|---|
| DHCS public records | DHCS Public Records Act page / PRA portal | Personal medical records from your doctor or hospital. |
| Medi-Cal eligibility or county case documents | County Medi-Cal office or BenefitsCal | DHCS public records request. |
| Medical records from care received | Your doctor, clinic, hospital, health plan or provider | DHCS does not usually hold your provider’s full medical chart. |
| Managed care plan records | Your health plan or official DHCS PHI request route where applicable | Vital records or public records. |
| Birth, death, marriage certificate | CDPH Vital Records or county recorder/registrar | DHCS Medi-Cal records. |
Before submitting a public records request, write one sentence that names the exact program, date range, record type and subject. Narrow requests are easier to process than broad requests like “send me all Medi-Cal records.”
California birth, death, marriage and divorce records: CDPH and county route, not DHCS
Many users search “California Department of Health Care Services records” when they actually need a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate or divorce record. Those are generally handled by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records, county recorders, county registrars or courts, not DHCS.
CDPH Vital Records
Use CDPH for statewide vital records information, county registrars and recorders, FAQs and certificate guidance.
Open CDPHCounty recorder or registrar
For local certificate pickup, county-specific search and some older records, the county recorder or registrar may be the correct route.
County listIf you need a California birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate or divorce document, do not start with DHCS unless your issue is specifically Medi-Cal related. DHCS is not the normal certificate-ordering agency.
DHCS complaints: licensing and certification complaint, managed care issue and health plan problem
California DHCS complaint routing depends on what happened. A managed care plan problem, mental health access issue, licensed facility complaint, Medi-Cal fraud report, public records issue and provider billing dispute are different routes.
Complaint form route
Use DHCS Licensing and Certification complaints for programs or facilities that fall under that DHCS authority.
Open complaintsOmbudsman route
Use the Ombudsman when you need help with Medi-Cal managed care or mental health managed care plan issues.
Open OmbudsmanIdentify the complaint category first
Write down whether the problem is about a health plan, provider, pharmacy, dental provider, licensed facility, substance use treatment program, fraud, denial notice, appeal, records request or emergency safety issue.
If someone is in immediate danger, has severe symptoms, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, chest pain, serious allergic reaction, overdose, poisoning or a life-threatening emergency, call emergency services. Do not wait for an online complaint response.
Report Medi-Cal fraud: suspicious billing, card misuse, identity concerns and provider fraud
Use the DHCS fraud route when you suspect Medi-Cal fraud, waste or abuse. This can include suspicious billing, provider fraud, identity misuse, services not received, false claims or misuse of a Medi-Cal card.
1-800-822-6222
DHCS lists the Medi-Cal Fraud Hotline for suspected fraud reporting.
Report fraudStop Medi-Cal Fraud
Use the online fraud complaint form when you have specific details and are ready to submit.
Open form| Prepare | Examples |
|---|---|
| Who is involved | Provider, clinic, pharmacy, member, caller, business or person suspected. |
| What happened | Suspicious bill, service not received, identity issue, card misuse, false claim or kickback concern. |
| When it happened | Dates of service, dates of calls, claim date, appointment date or billing date. |
| Proof if available | Letters, claim notices, screenshots, receipts, business cards, phone numbers or names. |
DHCS provider help: claims, enrollment, billing, PTN, PAVE and provider records
Providers should use provider-specific DHCS and Medi-Cal routes rather than member service pages. The DHCS contact page lists provider routes for claims, provider enrollment, codes, billing assistance and provider communication systems.
1-800-541-5555
Provider questions on Medi-Cal claims, enrollment, diagnosis/procedure codes and Medi-Cal website problems.
Provider contacts1-800-786-4346
Provider Telecommunications Network route listed for Medi-Cal provider support.
Open contactsPED / PAVE route
Use DHCS Provider Enrollment Division pages for provider enrollment and provider application questions.
Open PEDSeparate member, provider and plan questions before calling. Provider claims, member eligibility, health plan disputes, pharmacy prior authorization and dental provider issues may each have different phone queues.
California DHCS Sacramento address and before-you-visit map
Do not drive to a DHCS address only because it appears in a search result. Most Medi-Cal applications, renewals, county case questions, records requests, health plan problems, dental issues and pharmacy issues can be handled online, by phone, through a county office, through a plan, or by mail.
| Office or service | Official route | Before you visit or mail |
|---|---|---|
| DHCS department mailing route | P.O. Box 997413, MS 0000, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 appears on DHCS contact pages | Confirm the correct mail stop and program address first. |
| Medi-Cal eligibility or renewal | County Medi-Cal office or BenefitsCal | Do not send renewal documents to the wrong DHCS mailbox. |
| Public Records Act request | DHCS PRA portal or Legal Services PRA Request route | Use the official PRA instructions and record description. |
| Birth, death or marriage certificate | CDPH Vital Records or county recorder | DHCS is not the usual certificate office. |
DHCS Sacramento area map
For Medi-Cal, start with BenefitsCal, your county office, or the official DHCS contact page. A Sacramento department address may be a mailing or administrative address and may not be the correct walk-in service counter for your issue.
Official California DHCS links used in this guide
Use these official links for final forms, phone numbers, portals, notices, eligibility, public records, complaints, fraud reports and service routing. This independent guide does not collect documents, process Medi-Cal, submit renewals, file complaints, verify benefits or replace official websites.
People also search for: California DHCS Google and Bing intent guide
These search-style phrases match real user intent around the California Department of Health Care Services. Use the matching route instead of opening random pages or unofficial services.
California Department of Health Care Services phone number
Use the phone section for Medi-Cal, Health Care Options, Dental, Rx, Ombudsman and fraud phone numbers.
Phone routeMedi-Cal application California
Use BenefitsCal, Covered California, county office, phone, mail or in-person application routes.
Apply routeMedi-Cal renewal BenefitsCal
Use the Keep Your Medi-Cal and renewal form routes, especially if you received a yellow envelope.
Renewal routeCounty Medi-Cal office near me
Use the DHCS county finder by county or ZIP for eligibility, renewal and case help.
County routeCalifornia Department of Health Care Services records
Use DHCS Public Records Act for agency records, providers for medical records, and CDPH for certificates.
Records routeMedi-Cal Dental phone number
Use Medi-Cal Dental member customer service at 1-800-322-6384.
Dental routeMedi-Cal Rx phone number
Use Medi-Cal Rx customer service at 1-800-977-2273 for pharmacy benefit questions.
Rx routeMedi-Cal fraud report
Use the DHCS Stop Medi-Cal Fraud route or call 1-800-822-6222.
Fraud routePrivacy, emergency and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official California Department of Health Care Services website, not DHCS.ca.gov, not BenefitsCal, not Covered California, not Medi-Cal Dental, not Medi-Cal Rx, not CDPH Vital Records, and not a county Medi-Cal office.
Do not send Social Security numbers, Medi-Cal cards, Benefits Identification Cards, renewal forms, tax documents, immigration documents, medical records, prescriptions, birth certificates, death certificates, payment cards or complaint evidence to an independent guide page. Use only official secure portals and official mailing addresses for final submission.
Phone numbers, office hours, forms, mailing addresses, eligibility rules, renewal steps, plan options, complaint routes and records procedures can change. Confirm final details on official DHCS, BenefitsCal, Covered California, county office, Medi-Cal Dental, Medi-Cal Rx, Ombudsman, CDPH or public records pages before taking action.
California Department of Health Care Services FAQs
What is the California Department of Health Care Services phone number?
For many Medi-Cal beneficiary questions, DHCS lists the Medi-Cal Telephone Service Center at 1-800-541-5555. For managed care plan enrollment, call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263. For the Medi-Cal Ombudsman, call 1-888-452-8609. For Medi-Cal Dental, call 1-800-322-6384. For Medi-Cal Rx, call 1-800-977-2273.
Is DHCS the same as Medi-Cal?
DHCS is the California state department that administers Medi-Cal and many health care service programs. Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. County offices, health plans, Medi-Cal Dental, Medi-Cal Rx and other partners also handle parts of the member experience.
How do I apply for Medi-Cal in California?
You can apply through BenefitsCal, Covered California, your county office, by phone, by mail or in person. Prepare household size, income, address, phone, email, current coverage and documents requested by the application route.
How do I renew Medi-Cal?
If your county needs more information, you may receive a yellow envelope with a renewal form. Complete it by the deadline and submit requested proof through the allowed route, such as BenefitsCal, mail, phone, in person or your county office instructions. Update address and household changes quickly.
How do I find my county Medi-Cal office?
Use the DHCS Find Your County Medi-Cal Office page. Search by county or ZIP code. County offices help with eligibility, applications, renewals, missing documents, case changes, notices and many local Medi-Cal questions.
Who handles California birth, death and marriage records?
Birth, death and marriage certificates are generally handled by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records and county recorder or registrar offices, not DHCS. Use CDPH Vital Records or your county recorder when you need certificates.
How do I request DHCS public records?
Use the DHCS Public Records Act page or PRA portal for agency records. You do not need to explain why you want public records. Make the request specific by naming the program, record type, subject and date range.
How do I get my medical records if I have Medi-Cal?
DHCS says Medi-Cal members’ providers have their health records. If you want your medical chart, ask your doctor, clinic, hospital, health plan or provider. A DHCS public records request is usually not the right route for your provider’s medical chart.
How do I report Medi-Cal fraud?
Use the DHCS Stop Medi-Cal Fraud route or call the Medi-Cal Fraud Hotline at 1-800-822-6222. Prepare names, dates, provider details, suspicious bills, services not received, identity concerns or other facts before reporting.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official DHCS website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not process Medi-Cal, accept payments, submit renewals, request records, choose plans, report fraud, file complaints or replace DHCS.ca.gov, BenefitsCal, Covered California, county Medi-Cal offices, Medi-Cal Dental, Medi-Cal Rx or CDPH Vital Records.