Can I quit Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Prof. Naomi Bahringer  |  Last update: October 12, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)

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 cancel Medi-Cal anytime?

Coverage cancellation: If you want to cancel your Medi-Cal plan, you can request this cancellation through Covered California. Changing to a private plan: You can enroll in a private plan through Covered California if you will lose your Medi-Cal coverage soon.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

What is Estate Recovery? The Medi-Cal Estate Recovery program must seek repayment from the estates of certain Medi-Cal members after they die. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these members on or after their 55th birthday and who own assets at the time of death.

What happens if I don't report my income change to Medi-Cal?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

Can I Unenroll from Medi-Cal insurance?

Here are the general rules: You can cancel your plan anytime if you purchased self-only or family coverage on the individual health insurance market. However, you can typically only select a new health plan during the annual Open Enrollment Period. Open Enrollment is from November 1 to January 15 in most states.

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Can you cancel Medicaid insurance at any time?

You can end coverage for: Everyone on the application after your coverage has started. Your coverage can end as soon as the day you end it, or you can set your Marketplace coverage end date for a later day — like if you know your new coverage will start on the first day of the following month.

Can you have Medi-Cal and regular 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 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 income disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?

You must financially 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.

Do you have to pay back Medicaid if you get a job?

No. Unlike employer-sponsored plans, Medicaid is not tied to your job. You'll still have it even if you lose your job because of COVID-19 or for any other reason. If you find a job, your new financial situation will determine whether you qualify for Medicaid.

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.

How to avoid Medi-Cal?

Federal regulations prevent the DHCS from pursuing recovery for Medi-Cal services in the following circumstances:
  1. The deceased's spouse is still alive, whether they live in California or not.
  2. A disabled underaged child of the deceased resides in the deceased's home.

Can I have money in the bank and still get Medi-Cal?

➢ 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.

How do I withdraw from 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.

Can I decline Medicaid?

If you were found eligible for Medicaid but do not wish to enroll, you will need to fill out the Decline Medicaid Coverage Form available here. Declining Medicaid will not change your eligibility for advance premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions to use to purchase a private health insurance plan.

At what age does Medi-Cal stop?

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.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you quit your job?

If your annual income is reduced due to job loss or another reason, Medi-Cal might be an option. Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health insurance for qualified applicants including low-income families, people with disabilities, pregnant women and more.

Can I own a house and get Medi-Cal in California?

First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.

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 you opt out of Medi-Cal?

Call Health Care Options at (844) 580-7272 or TTY: (800) 430-7077 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To opt out you must select Option B in Step 2 of the Health Plan Choice Form that is part of your enrollment packet. Fill in the circle to the left of the Medi-Cal plan you want.

Does Medi-Cal verify income?

In order to determine your eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits, you may be required to submit information verifying your identity, income and/or property.

Does Medi-Cal make you pay them back?

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.

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 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.

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.