Can I have Medi-Cal and Medicare at the same time?

Asked by: Evalyn Roberts  |  Last update: August 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (65 votes)

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.

Can I apply for 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.

Can a person have 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."“

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.

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 I have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?

36 related questions found

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?

For adults age 65 or older, the income limit for no-cost Medi-Cal is only 122% of the poverty line. Once they turn 65, many Californians with low incomes cannot access free Medi-Cal because the countable income limit for seniors, which is set by the state, is much lower than it is for younger adults.

How much money can I have in my bank account if I have Medi-Cal?

For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information. » I was not eligible in the past.

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.

What assets can you keep when you go on Medicare?

On January 1, 2024, the asset test to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program was eliminated. This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.

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.

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.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal for 65 and older?

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. Contact Medi-Cal for details.

Can I get Medi-Cal if I get Social Security?

SSI-Linked Medi-Cal

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for people with low income who are aged, blind, or disabled, you get Medi-Cal automatically. You don't have to fill out any additional paperwork. Read DB101's SSI article for more information about whether you qualify for SSI.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

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 much is Medi-Cal per month?

How much does Medi-Cal cost? For many individuals who enroll in Medi-Cal, there is no premium, no co-payment, and no out of pocket cost. Effective July 1, 2022, all monthly premiums were reduced to $0.00.

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.

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.

Does Medi-Cal check your income?

Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.

Which Medi-Cal plan is best?

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 19, 2023 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Medi-Cal health plan is the highest rated in the state for quality care, according to a December 2022 report from the state's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

Can I be on Medi-Cal and Medicare?

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.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

Which is the cheapest health insurance for senior citizens?

Medicare is the cheapest health insurance with the best benefits for people age 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability.