Child and youth members under 21 years old can get special health services as soon as they are enrolled. This makes sure they get the right preventive, dental, and mental health care, including developmental and specialty services.
Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens
Members under 21 years old are covered for needed care for free.
The list below includes medically necessary services to treat or care for any defects and physical or mental diagnoses.
Covered services include but are not limited to:
- Well-child visits and teen check-ups (Important visits children need)
- Immunizations (shots)
- Behavioral health assessment and treatment
- Mental health evaluation and treatment, including individual, group and family psychotherapy (specialty mental health services (SMHS) are covered by the county)
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) screening
- Enhanced Care Management (ECM) for Children and Youth Populations of Focus (POFs) (a Medi-Cal managed care plan (MCP) benefit)
- Lab tests, including blood lead poisoning testing
- Health and preventive education
- Vision services
- Dental services (covered under Medi-Cal Dental)
- Hearing services (covered by California Children’s Services (CCS) for children who qualify. L.A. Care will cover services for children who do not qualify for CCS)
- Home Health Services, such as private duty nursing (PDN), occupational therapy, physical therapy, and medical equipment and supplies.
These services are called Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens (also known as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT)) services. Additional information for members regarding Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens can be found at the Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens section of the California DHCS website. Medi-Cal for Kids and Teens services that are recommended by pediatricians’ Bright Futures guidelines to help you or your child stay healthy are covered for free.