Medi-Cal is California’s free public health insurance program for low income individuals and families, the disabled, foster children, pregnant women and people with certain diseases and chronic conditions. Medi-Cal is paid for by the state and federal government and serves over 8 million Californians. Beginning January 1, 2014, Medi-Cal will be significantly expanded to include adults meeting the following income and citizenship requirements: 1  U.S. citizen or certain legal immigrant. 2  Age 19 – 64.