Can Medi-Cal be a secondary insurance?

Asked by: Kristy Streich DDS  |  Last update: September 23, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (21 votes)

Medi-Cal is the payer of last resort, which means in most cases Medi-Cal will be secondary to the OHC, covering allowable costs not paid by the primary insurance (typically wrap payments or co-pays) up to the Medi-Cal rate.

Can I have Medi-Cal and another insurance?

(For Adults Age 19 and above, updated: June 2016) Myth 1: One can not have Medi-Cal and any other insurance at the same time. Fact: There are no restrictions on multiple coverage under Medi-Cal regulations.

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.

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

Yes, it's possible! Explore your options for keeping Medi-Cal when you're employed — or transitioning to an affordable health plan — and how Covered California can help.

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.

Top 3 Tips to Utilize Medi-Cal as Secondary Insurance in 2023

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Can you have two health insurances with Medicaid?

The simple answer to the question of “can you have both Medicaid and private insurance?” is a resounding “YES”! Medicaid is given to low-income U.S citizens in need and will not be disputed due to already enrolled in a private health insurance program.

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.

How to get secondary health insurance?

If you buy a medical plan on your own through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you can purchase supplemental or secondary coverage through a private insurance company. If you get your medical plan through your employer, you may have the option to add one or more secondary or supplemental plans during enrollment.

Can I work while on 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.

Can I use my secondary insurance as primary?

The short answer is no, you can't. As outlined above, an individual's employer-sponsored plan will always be primary. Even if a spouse or parent's plan has better coverage or maybe a lower deductible, you can't submit claims to them first.

Is it worth having secondary health insurance?

Having multiple health insurance plans can expand your healthcare options and minimize costs. However, the premium and administrative costs can be prohibitive, and two plans might only end up providing redundant coverage.

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 is double insurance?

Double insurance refers to the method of getting insurance of same subject matter with more than one insurer or with same insurer under different policies. This means that one can get insurance policies on a subject matter more than its value. Double insurance is possible in all types of insurance contracts.

Can you have 2 Medi-Cal insurances at the same time?

Having dual coverage is perfectly legal. But you must coordinate your two policies correctly to ensure you cover your medical expenses compliantly. If you're new to dual insurance, you've come to the right place!

Can I apply for Covered California if I have Medi-Cal?

I am currently enrolled in Medi-Cal. Can I get health insurance through Covered California? If your income changes during the year or at your annual renewal, you may qualify for other health insurance and premium assistance through Covered California.

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).

Does Medi-Cal look at your bank account?

Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

Can the state take my home if I go on Medi-Cal?

Can the State Take my Home If I Go on Medi-Cal? The State of California does not take away anyone's home per se. Your home can, however, be subject to an estate claim after your death. For example, your home may be an exempt asset while you are alive, and not counted for Medi-Cal eligibility purposes.

Can I get Medi Cal as a secondary insurance?

Medi-Cal is the payer of last resort, which means in most cases Medi-Cal will be secondary to the OHC, covering allowable costs not paid by the primary insurance (typically wrap payments or co-pays) up to the Medi-Cal rate.

How much does secondary insurance cost?

The cost of supplemental insurance can vary depending on the plan you choose. Fortunately, Aflac offers affordable coverage. Many Aflac policies range anywhere from $8 to $25 or more per month. You can contact Aflac directly for more information on specific supplemental insurance plans that pique your interest.

Which health insurance company denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

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 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.

Why don t doctors accept Medi-Cal?

Why doctors say they don't see Medi-Cal patients. While low reimbursement rates are the most common reason California doctors say they limit the number of Medi-Cal patients they see, the program's administrative burden is also daunting. Source: California Health Care Foundation.