Can I change my Medi-Cal plan anytime?
Asked by: Alda Leannon | Last update: July 26, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (20 votes)
Can I switch my Medi-Cal plan?
If you are in a Medi-Cal health plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan. You can call Health Care Options (HCO), toll free, at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?
You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.
How do I notify Medi-Cal of a change?
You must report changes to Covered California within 30 days. For Medi-Cal, you must report it within 10 days. To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.
Which Medi-Cal plan is best?
- Kaiser
- Blue Shield Promise
- Community Health Group
- Molina
Can I change Medicare Supplement plans ANYTIME? Yes, but there's a CATCH!
What are the two types of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is health coverage for low-income children and adults. There are two kinds of Medi-Cal, the expanded Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) coverage and classic coverage. Some Medi-Cal programs have a Share of Cost, but most do not.
What is the most expensive health insurance in California?
The most expensive health insurance in California is a platinum plan for an elderly adult, with an average monthly rate of $1982.
Who do I call to change my Medi-Cal plan?
To change your medical plan, call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077). Or you can complete a Medi-Cal Choice Form. You can find the form on the Download forms page. Mail the completed choice form.
Can I have Medi-Cal and private insurance?
Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.
What happens if you don't report changes to Medi-Cal?
If you do not report changes to your personal information right away, and then receive Medi-Cal benefits that you do not qualify for, you may have to repay DHCS.
What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.
How long can I stay on Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits.
How much money can I make and keep Medi-Cal?
Most single individuals will qualify for Medi-Cal if there income is under $1,676 per month. Most couples will qualify if their income is under $2,267 per month. If you have disabilities, your income can be slightly higher. You can qualify for Medi-Cal even if you have assets.
What are the new rules for Medi-Cal 2024?
Basic Information. Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow adults ages 26 through 49 to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.
When can I change my Med Advantage plan?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 – March 31 each year. It allows you, if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, to: Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage), or. Disenroll and return to Original Medicare.
Can I get Kaiser with Medi-Cal?
The California Medi-Cal program provides health care coverage for some of the most vulnerable populations in the state and Kaiser Permanente participates in the Medi-Cal program to provide high quality care to enrolled beneficiaries in most counties currently served by the health plan.
Do you have to choose a plan with Medi-Cal?
When you first qualify for Medi-Cal, you are covered under Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service. Depending on the county where you live, you may have to choose a health plan within 30 days. If you do not choose a health plan within 30 days, Medi-Cal will choose a health plan for you.
Does Medi-Cal check tax returns?
You do not have to file taxes to qualify for Medi-Cal.
How do I switch from Medi-Cal to Covered CA?
Moving Between Covered California and Medi-Cal
To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.
What does Medi-Cal not cover?
Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.
When can I change Medicaid plans?
If you're automatically re-enrolled into a plan during Open Enrollment, that coverage starts January 1. If you don't want that plan, you can still enroll in a different plan by December 15. If your automatic re-enrollment coverage started, you can still change plans until January 15 (when Open Enrollment ends).
Which is better, LA Care or Health Net?
You'll notice that LA Care is generally one of the lowest 1-2 carriers listed at each benefit level. For many people, it's a function of being able to afford their health insurance at all! Health net is generally a notch or two above LA Care for HMO. But very close.
Is $200 a month good for health insurance?
Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old. The best way to get cheap rates is to use health insurance subsidies, which lower the cost of an insurance plan based on your income.
What do people do when they can't afford healthcare?
State social services agencies provide direct assistance to people with limited access to health care. They can offer referrals to local health centers and organizations that may be able to help.
Is hmo or ppo better?
HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.