Can I have both Medi-Cal and Medicare?
Asked by: Ofelia Kassulke | Last update: September 13, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (36 votes)
Can I get both Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Can a person have both Medicare and Medi-Cal? Yes. Sometimes that's callled “Medi-Medi”, or “dual eligible.” Medicare is billed first for services and Medi-Cal is billed last. Medical providers are famliar with “Medi-Medis."“
Can I get Medi-Cal if I have Medicare?
Yes. Individuals who are Medicare beneficiaries may apply for Medi-Cal. If Medi-Cal eligibility is established, the State may begin paying the Part B premium and the Part A and B coinsurance and deductibles.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
Can you have Medi-Cal and secondary 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.
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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.
Can you have 2 Medi-Cal insurances at the same time?
Can I have 2 health insurance plans at the same time? Yes. A process called coordination of benefits determines which insurance plan will pay first. Your primary plan will pay for the health claim first, paying the costs up to the plan's coverage limits, and then your second plan will kick in.
Why do some people have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare-Medicaid enrollees include people ages 65 and over who are in relatively good health but have limited financial resources and people who at one time, may have had more financial resources, but spent their income and wealth on health or long-term care costs.
What happens to my Medi-Cal when I turn 65?
If you are aged (65+) or disabled and are not eligible for the SSI program, you may be able to get Medi-Cal through the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) program. To qualify, you must: Be aged (65+) or disabled (meet Social Security's definition of disability, even if your disability is blindness).
What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?
You may be able to receive a reimbursement if:
You received a Medi-Cal covered service on a date that you were eligible for Medi-Cal. The three periods of eligibility that are included are the following: RETRO: The 3-month period prior to the month you applied for the Medi-Cal program.
Can I cancel Medicare if I have Medi-Cal?
If you stop your Medicare Part B and you have a Medi-Cal SOC, you cannot get Medi-Cal covered services until you pay or promise to pay your monthly SOC.
Does Medi-Cal interfere with Medicare?
The State has a Medi-Cal matching plan policy in certain counties if you have Medicare and Medi-Cal. This means that if you join a Medicare Advantage plan and there is a Medi-Cal plan that matches with that plan, you must choose that Medi-Cal plan. This policy does not change or affect your choice of a Medicare plan.
How do I become dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?
To be dual eligible, persons must also be enrolled in either full coverage Medicaid or one of Medicaid's Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). Full coverage Medicaid covers physician visits, hospital services (in-patient and out-patient), laboratory services, and x-rays.
How does Medi-Cal verify income?
Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.
Can you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal in California?
Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal and are “dual eligible” or Medi Medi beneficiaries. When an individual has both Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare is the primary insurance and pays for most medical care.
What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?
Best Medicare Supplement: AARP/UnitedHealthcare. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company for Medigap plans in 2025. For most people, the best company for Medigap coverage is AARP/UnitedHealthcare. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover many of the costs that you usually pay if you have regular Medicare.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal for seniors?
Medi-Cal Eligibility
To be eligible for Medi-Cal with no share of cost, your monthly gross income in 2024 must not exceed $1,732 for an individual and not exceed $2,332 for a married couple. For married couples, when one spouse is in a nursing home, higher resource and income limits apply.
Should I get Medicare if I already have Medicaid?
In most cases, even if you have Medicaid, you must enroll in Medicare when you're eligible. This is because Medicare is the primary insurance and will provide benefits and coverage for the health care services you need. If you do not enroll when you're eligible, you may face a late enrollment penalty.
How many people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?
In 2021, 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries or 13.1 million people, known as “dual-eligible individuals,” had both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Eligibility for Medicare, which is the primary source of coverage for dual-eligible individuals, is based on their age or disability status.
How much does Medicare cost at age 65?
If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).
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.
Is being double insured worth it?
Assuming Dual Coverage Is Always Better: While dual coverage can be beneficial, it's not always the best option for every situation. Don't assume that having two plans will automatically save you money. Evaluate the costs, coverage, and your specific healthcare needs to determine if dual coverage is cost-effective.
How to tell which insurance is primary?
The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.