Can you be on both Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Evalyn Quigley | Last update: November 7, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (45 votes)
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."“
Can I get Medi-Cal if I am on 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.
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.
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.
Who Is Eligible For Both Medicare And Medicaid? - CountyOffice.org
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?
If you are aged (65+) or disabled and are not eligible for the SSI program, you may be able to get Medi-Cal through the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) program. To qualify, you must: Be aged (65+) or disabled (meet Social Security's definition of disability, even if your disability is blindness).
How many people are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?
They qualify for Medicare because they're at least 65 years old or because they're under age 65 and have a qualifying disability or medical condition. They qualify for Medicaid because they have low income and few resources. In 2024, about 12.8 million Americans are dual-eligible beneficiaries.
What are the three requirements for Medicare?
- Age 65 or older.
- Disabled.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Is Medi-Cal the same as Medicaid?
Medi-Cal is California's version of the Federal Medicaid program. Medi-Cal offers no-cost and low-cost health coverage to eligible people who live in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees the Medi-Cal program. Your local county office manages most Medi-Cal cases for DHCS.
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.
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.
Can I cancel Medicare if I have Medi-Cal?
If you stop your Medicare Part B and you have a Medi-Cal SOC, you cannot get Medi-Cal covered services until you pay or promise to pay your monthly SOC.
Does Medi-Cal interfere with Medicare?
The State has a Medi-Cal matching plan policy in certain counties if you have Medicare and Medi-Cal. This means that if you join a Medicare Advantage plan and there is a Medi-Cal plan that matches with that plan, you must choose that Medi-Cal plan. This policy does not change or affect your choice of a Medicare plan.
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 everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care.
- Cosmetic surgery.
- Massage therapy.
- Routine physical exams.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
What disqualifies you from Medicaid?
In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.
Can a person have both medical 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.
Why would someone have Medicare and Medicaid?
Can You Have Both Medicare And Medicaid? Yes – if you're 65 or older and meet your state's income requirements for Medicaid, you can sign up for both Medicare and Medicaid. Together, they offer more comprehensive health coverage at a lower cost.
What is the best health insurance for seniors over 70?
Medicare is the best health insurance for retirees and seniors. You can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or private, bundled coverage, called Medicare Advantage.
What is the new law for Medi-Cal?
Starting January 1, 2024, a new law in California will give full Medi-Cal to more people ages 26 through 49 who qualify for Medi-Cal. Unlike before, immigration status does not matter.
What counts as income for Medi-Cal for seniors?
Nearly all income that a Medicaid applicant receives is counted towards the income limit. This includes employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends.
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).