Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid, a $50 billion government health care program for the state’s 7 million low-income, elderly and handicapped residents.

Recipients would cover $5 of the cost for their doctor, clinic and dental visits under Brown’s plan. Pharmacy services would cost between $3 and $5, depending on availability of low-cost, preferred drugs. If approved by the Legislature, the copayments would save the state an estimated $294 million in 2011-12, according to projections.