Can I get Covered California instead of medical?

Asked by: Kenyatta Gutmann  |  Last update: November 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (32 votes)

Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.

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.

Can I keep Covered California instead of Medicare?

You will no longer be eligible to receive financial assistance and your monthly premium and out-of-pocket cost may go up by a lot. However, if you have to pay a premium for Part A, you may keep your Covered California plan and receive financial help if eligible, instead of Medicare Part A – but not both.

Can you opt out of Medi-Cal?

Coverage cancellation: If you want to cancel your Medi-Cal plan, you can request this cancellation through Covered California.

Why am I not eligible for Covered California?

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. Covered California stated that you did not pay your premiums by your due date.

Differences Between Covered California, Health Insurance Companies and Medi-Cal

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How to switch from Medi-Cal to covered in 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.

What are the requirements for Covered California?

Here are the criteria to be eligible for coverage:
  • You must be a California resident.
  • You cannot be enrolled in Medicare or have employer-sponsored health care.
  • You must be a lawfully present immigrant.

Can I decline Medi-Cal coverage?

Employees who want to decline health insurance coverage may do so, but must be absolutely sure of their decision before choosing to decline. Those who choose to decline coverage during initial enrollment will not be covered under their employer's insurance plans or pay any premium deductions.

Is Medi-Cal mandatory?

Medi-Cal members are “mandatory” if they are aged, blind, disabled, and getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or State Supplementary Payments (SSP), or if they get CalWORKS benefits and/or Medi-Cal only with no share of cost. This means they must join a Medi-Cal medical plan.

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.

Is it better to go through Covered California?

Covered California is the best option for getting an individual plan. There are four big reasons it is best to use Covered California: It's the only place where you can get federal or state help paying for your premiums and other health expenses.

Does California still penalize for no health insurance?

In 2019, those without insurance saw a respite with the suspension of tax penalties. From 2020 to 2022, California reinstated the requirement for taxpayers to have health insurance or face penalties.

What is the maximum income to qualify for 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.

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.

What happens if you make too much for Medi-Cal?

What can I do if I make too much money for Medi-Cal? You may get a private health plan through Covered California. You could also get financial assistance. If you qualify, your local Medi-Cal office will share your information.

Can I use Covered California instead of Medicare?

There is only one exception: if you have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A coverage and you have not enrolled in it, you may be able to continue Covered California coverage instead and keep your financial assistance. Call Medicare for more information at 800-633-4227.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

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.

Why does no one accept Medi-Cal?

The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.

How do I refuse Medi-Cal?

To cancel Medi-Cal, you'll need to fill out a form or contact your local county office. You can download a request for withdrawal form from the California Department of Healthcare Services website.

How do I get Covered California instead of Medi-Cal?

You can apply for health insurance through Covered California in the following ways:
  1. Online: Visit www.CoveredCA.com. ...
  2. By phone: Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 (TTY: (888) 889-4500). ...
  3. By fax: Fax your application to (888) 329-3700.
  4. By mail: Mail the Covered California application to:

Can I opt out of Medi-Cal insurance?

Can you cancel your health insurance policy at any time? You can cancel your group coverage anytime if you don't pay your health insurance premiums through payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis. But if your premium payments use pre-tax dollars, the IRS considers your group policy a Section 125 plan or cafeteria plan.

Can I decline Medi-Cal care?

Even adults who lack decision-making capacity retain the fundamental right to refuse recommended treatment. Health care professionals are required to respect their refusals, except in limited circumstances as outlined below.

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 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.