Can I work while on Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Dr. Josefa Becker V  |  Last update: April 28, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (54 votes)

Medi-Cal Coverage and Employment. A number of factors go into qualifying for Medi-Cal — but having a job isn't one of them. In fact, many people are employed and stay on Medi-Cal.

Can you work and still get Medi-Cal?

If you get Medi-Cal coverage and then get a job, you have a couple of options for keeping your Medi-Cal benefits. If you got Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits before you got your job, Social Security's 1619(b) program lets you earn up to $58,638 annually and still keep Medi-Cal coverage at no cost.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal?

You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($21,597 for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($85,519 per year for a family of four).

Will I lose Medicaid immediately if I get a job?

Yes; you can stay on Medicaid and keep using it. You report an increase of income after you have actually earned it; not before. So the first month you earn over the threshold; if that is December; then you have to report that within 30 days of the end of the month.

Can I have both Medi-Cal and employer insurance?

Note: You can choose to get Medi-Cal even if you have employer-sponsored coverage. If you have both at the same time, Medi-Cal may decide it is cost-effective for them to pay your portion of your employer-sponsored health insurance's premium.

Do I Have To Repay California Medi-Cal?

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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.

How does having two Medi-Cal insurances work?

Having two health plans doesn't mean you'll receive full medical coverage twice. Instead, one policy will be your primary plan, and the other will be your secondary health coverage. This ensures the total amount your two plans will pay for your health expenses will never exceed 100% of the cost of those expenses.

How many hours can you work while on Medicaid?

How many hours can you work on Medicaid? There is no limit on how many hours someone on Medicaid can work. Medicaid eligibility is based more on income than hours worked. The rules vary by state, but many allow Medicaid recipients to work full-time if their monthly or annual earnings remain under the income limits.

Can you work while on Medicare?

Can I have Medicare and employer coverage? Many people ask, "Can I sign up for Medicare and still work full time?" The answer is, yes you can.

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.

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 max you can make on 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 happens if you get a job while on EBT?

If you work and still meet the requirements to receive food stamps, you will still receive the monthly SNAP allotment on your EBT card. However, if your benefits are frozen, here are some reasons why and how to fix them. Any money not used on your EBT card within a month will carry over to the next month.

What are the restrictions for Medi-Cal?

If you apply for Medi-Cal in 2023:

The current asset limit is $130,000 for one person. Each additional household member adds $65,000 to the asset limit. Up to 10 members can be in a household. Medi-Cal will also consider income information (including income from property).

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.

Will Medicaid kick me off if I make too much?

States have the option to establish a “medically needy program” for individuals with significant health needs whose income is too high to otherwise qualify for Medicaid under other eligibility groups.

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 have Medi-Cal and work?

Medi-Cal Coverage and Employment. A number of factors go into qualifying for Medi-Cal — but having a job isn't one of them. In fact, many people are employed and stay on Medi-Cal. Eligibility for the program is based on income and other variables.

How much can you make before losing Medicaid?

To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home. The income limits based on household size are: One person: $17,609. Two people: $23,792.

When should I report my new job to Medi-Cal?

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so you can receive important Medi-Cal information. If your income, address, or household situation changes at any time during the year, please report these changes within 10 days rather than waiting for the annual renewal process.

Can you have Medi-Cal and private insurance at the same time?

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 Medicaid and employer insurance at the same time?

Can I use Medicaid as secondary insurance after my insurance through my employer? Yes, you can maintain your employer-sponsored insurance plan as your primary coverage while also qualifying for Medicaid, which would pay for, generally speaking, any qualifying expense that your primary plan doesn't cover.

Can I have both Medi-Cal and Medicare?

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."“