Can I get Covered California instead of Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Jovany Schmitt V | Last update: December 18, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (6 votes)
Can I choose Covered California instead of Medi-Cal?
Health plans available through Medi-Cal and Covered California both offer a similar set of important benefits, called essential health benefits. You can apply for both programs at the same time when you use our single application.
Is Covered California a form of Medi-Cal?
What is Covered California? Covered California is the new marketplace that makes it possible for individuals and families to get free or low- cost health insurance through Medi-Cal, or to get help paying for private health insurance. Our goal is to make it simple and affordable for Californians to get health insurance.
Can I use Covered California instead of Medicare?
If you're eligible for or enrolled in premium-free Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), you can't apply for new coverage through Covered California. However, if you must pay for Medicare Part A, you may sign up for coverage through Covered California instead of Medicare Part A.
Can I have both Medi-Cal and Covered California?
You can also call your local county office. Did you know? It is possible for members of the same family to qualify for both Medi-Cal and Covered California.
Differences Between Covered California, Health Insurance Companies and Medi-Cal
How do I change my Medi-Cal to Covered California?
Moving Between Covered California and Medi-Cal
To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.
How much does Covered California cost per month?
Apply for health insurance by Jan. 31 — and pay as little as $10 per month if you qualify. How many need coverage? Your Estimate $63 per month for a Silver plan. Bronze as low as $0.
Who is not eligible for Covered California?
Who is Not Eligible for Covered California? If you are not lawfully present in California, you are not eligible for a Covered California plan. However, you can still apply through Covered California to find out if you are eligible for Medi-Cal or to find coverage for family members who are lawfully present.
What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?
To qualify, you must: Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo.
Is it better to go through Covered California?
Covered California is the only place where you can get help paying for your plan. Most of our customers get help paying for their coverage. Anyone can apply for coverage when open enrollment begins in the fall, or right now if you've experienced a certain life change.
What is the highest income to qualify for Medi-Cal?
You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($21,597 for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four).
Can you use Medi-Cal outside of California?
Routine and preventive care services, including prescription drugs, are not covered when you are outside of California. You will not qualify for Medi-Cal. L.A. Care will not pay for your health care. If you want Medicaid in another state, you will need to apply in that state.
How long does Covered California take to process?
Covered Ca Update: Our simplified online Covered Ca application generally take 5-10 minutes versus the 45 minutes average for standard version. Call 800-320-6269. From the time we received the completed online Covered Ca app, we generally process it and confirm enrollment within 24 hours.
How much money do you need to make to qualify for Covered California?
In 2024, an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to $33,975 Meanwhile, that limit rises to $69,375 for a household size of 4. These numbers refer to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as found on line 11 of your Form 1040.
Can I cancel Medi-Cal through Covered California?
Change: You have 90 days from the last day of your Medi-Cal coverage to select a different plan. This is called your special enrollment window. Cancel: You can also cancel your plan through Covered California. Your plan will be automatically canceled if you don't confirm your plan and pay the premium.
Can I apply for Medi-Cal if I already have insurance?
Families who already have health insurance coverage for their child can still benefit from Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program), which may be used as secondary insurance to pay for certain expenses that primary health insurance doesn't cover.
Is Covered California the same as Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family.
How long do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?
Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. If you are covered by Medicaid, you should be aware that coverage can be suspended if you remain outside of the country for more than 30 days. You would have to jump through hoops in order to regain this coverage.
What is the disadvantage of Medi-Cal?
The perception that Medi-Cal offered poorer coverage or less respectful treatment than other types of insurance. Concerns among noncitizen respondents that applying for Medi-Cal might affect their immigration status.
Can rich people use Covered California?
Even if your income is too high to get help paying for a health plan, you can still buy a plan through Covered California. You can also sign up for a plan on your own. You can apply through the insurance company directly, through an insurance agent or broker, or through another online health insurance marketplace.
Why did I get denied for Covered California?
Covered California stated that your application was incomplete. You do not have other health coverage (such as free Medi-Cal or employer-sponsored insurance) that prevents you from qualifying for insurance through Covered California. Covered California stated that you are not a California resident.
Can I get Covered California for free?
Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It's the only place where you can get financial help when you buy health insurance from well-known companies.
Is Covered California available to everyone?
New eligibility thresholds with Covered California mean more Californians than ever may qualify for health insurance assistance, boosted by state funding of $165 million in 2025. Californians currently eligible for Covered California benefits include people with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
Do you pay back Covered California?
When you file your taxes, if your income is less than what you told us on your application, you may receive a credit or refund. If your income is more than what you told us on your application, you may have to repay some or all of the advanced premium tax credits that you got.