Benefits Identification Card (BIC) Issuance

Monthly eligibility for Medi-Cal is based on the latest information on the MEDS record at MEDS Renewal.
The daily MEDS Network update process accomplishes the following:
- Establishes Medi-Cal eligibility for newly eligible beneficiaries.
- Modifies (changes) eligibility information on the MEDS record.
Immediate Need paper Medi-Cal cards may be issued in the district offices via an online MEDS (EW15) transaction generated by the MTO. These cards are for identification purposes only.
Immediate Need cards should only be issued in case of a medical emergency or for a pregnant woman. If the client has previously been issued a BIC, the Add (EW20) transaction generated via the CalSAWS nightly batch process will reactivate their plastic card within 2 to 4 work days.
For new clients who have never been issued a BIC, the request is processed within 2 working days and the plastic card is received by the recipient within 7 to 10 days.
The request for a paper card must be for the CURRENT MONTH.
BIC replacement for SSI/SSP recipients can be issued via an EW55 online transaction.
All requests made by persons other than the beneficiary are mailed to the beneficiary at the beneficiary’s address. Exception to this Agency policy must be approved by an EW Supervisor. Refer to MC HB Chapter 34: BOBLOA, Section Medi-Cal Identification Cards.

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