Can I have insurance and Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Kianna Gutmann  |  Last update: August 12, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (67 votes)

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.

Can you have Medi-Cal and regular insurance?

Because Medi-Cal supports your primary insurance (including vision and dental insurance) and does not override it, you should first make sure your physician, facility, or service accepts your primary insurance. Then, you can ask if they contract with your Medi-Cal managed care plan.

Can you have Medi-Cal assistance and private insurance?

You can have Medicaid and private health insurance at the same time, and there are some advantages and disadvantages to doing so. In many cases, if you're eligible for both Medicaid and private insurance, your private insurance plan will be the primary coverage, and your Medicaid coverage will be supplemental.

Can you be on Medi-Cal and Covered California at the same time?

If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you can still purchase a health coverage plan through Covered California, but you cannot receive premium assistance to reduce its cost and will have to pay the full cost of the Covered California health care plan's premium.

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.

Canada Made Tough Decision Against US: Trump Didn’t Expect This Much!

32 related questions found

Can you have double Medi-Cal coverage in California?

In California, qualified group health insurance plans co-ordinate benefits with each other. This means that you can get coverage under your health plan and additional sharing of claims cost under your spouse's group plan if you are enrolled on both.

Is there a limit to 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 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.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.

Can I get Medi-Cal if my employer offers insurance?

Some or all of your family may still qualify for the Medi-Cal program if your income lands within a certain range of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. This is regardless of whether you are offered insurance through your job or a family member's job.

What happens if you have Medicaid and private insurance?

Eligibility is based on many factors that vary state by state with a common goal of providing benefits to low-income individuals and families that need it most. Because Medicaid eligibility is significantly based on income level, having private insurance will not restrict Medicaid benefits.

Will I lose my Medi-Cal if I get married?

If your new spouse is employed, their income will factor into whether you are still eligible. It is likely that you will no longer qualify for Medi-Cal coverage after marriage. If your spouse's company offers health insurance, they can add you to their policy. You will then have commercial health insurance coverage.

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.

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.

What does secondary insurance mean?

Secondary insurance is health insurance that pays after primary insurance on a claim for medical or hospital care. It usually pays for some or all of the costs left after the primary insurer has paid (e.g., deductibles, copayments, coinsurances).

Does Kaiser accept 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.

Does Medi-Cal check bank accounts?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

What happens if you lie to Medi-Cal?

And the felony penalties for this form of Medi-Cal fraud include: Felony probation; Two (2), three (3) or five (5) years in county jail; and/or. A fine of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or double the amount of the fraud, whichever is greater.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

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.

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 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 you have dual coverage with Medi-Cal?

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.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

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.