Can you get Medi-Cal if you don't file taxes?

Asked by: Mr. Isaias Dicki  |  Last update: March 27, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (27 votes)

To qualify for Medi-Cal, you must live in the state of California and meet certain rules. You must give income and tax filing status information for everyone who is in your family and is on your tax return. You also may need to give information about your property. You do not have to file taxes to qualify for Medi-Cal.

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 happens if you don't report income 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 get Covered California if I don't file taxes?

If you didn't file taxes last year, you can still apply for health insurance and get premium assistance or Medi-Cal. We will use your income to help us find the health insurance that is most affordable for you and your family.

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.

Do I Have To Repay California Medi-Cal?

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Does Medi-Cal ask for tax return?

You do not have to file taxes to qualify for Medi-Cal. For questions about tax filing, talk to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a tax professional. All individuals who apply for Medi-Cal must give their Social Security Number (SSN) if they have one.

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.

What happens if you don't file California taxes?

Regardless of how much you owe or if you owe anything at all, failure to file entirely could be construed as tax evasion. Tax evasion is a felony which carries a maximum sentence of up to five years and $250,000 in penalties.

What documents are needed for Medi-Cal in California?

Apply for Medi-Cal
  • Identification – Driver's license, California ID card, passport, birth certificates, or proof of immigration status.
  • Social Security numbers for applicants who have them or are eligible to have them.
  • Proof of residency – Rent or mortgage receipt or utility bill.

Can you get Covered California with no income?

You can get health coverage!

If your job was affected by COVID-19, or if you lack income because your hours were cut or you're no longer working, Covered California is here for you.

Does Medi-Cal check your income?

Medi-Cal is the health care insurance program for low-income individuals who live in California. Other states call their program Medicaid. You must financially qualify for Medi-Cal. Most single individuals will qualify for Medi-Cal if there income is under $1,676 per month.

Why did I get denied for Medi-Cal?

Eligibility Issues: Denials can occur due to discrepancies in income, residency, or documentation, leading to questions about eligibility. Prior Authorization: Some treatments require prior authorization, and failure to obtain this or administrative errors can lead to denials.

What happens if you accidentally don't report income?

Often, the IRS will recalculate your tax return by including the missing income and determining the amount of tax they think that you owe. This can include penalties and interest. If you realize that you didn't include some income on your tax return, you can file an amended return that includes the missing information.

How much money can I have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

asset information? eligibility for 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.

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.

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 determines Medi-Cal eligibility?

Adults, including both parents and adults without children, with yearly earnings up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for Medi-Cal. The qualifying income criteria varies by family size.

How often does Medicaid check your income?

Yes, income and assets have to be verified again for Medicaid Redetermination. After initial acceptance into the Medicaid program, redetermination is generally every 12 months. The redetermination process is meant to ensure the senior Medicaid beneficiary still meets the eligibility criteria, such as income and assets.

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).

What happens if you just never file taxes?

If you fail to file your tax returns, you may face IRS penalties and interest from the date your taxes were. Additionally, failing to pay tax could also be a crime. Under the Internal Revenue Code § 7201, an attempt to evade taxes can be punished by up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

How many years can you file back taxes in California?

The statute of limitations permits a taxpayer to claim a refund for unfiled tax returns for three years after the original filing date. If the taxpayer does not file within this timeframe, the IRS will bar a taxpayer from receiving a refund check, applying for any tax credits, and even overpayments of taxes.

How many months can you go without health insurance in California?

As a California resident, you should carry insurance throughout the year with no gaps in coverage of 90 days or more. Otherwise, you may face a tax penalty when you file your tax return. There are some exemptions to California's penalty, which we'll discuss later.

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.

How long can I stay on Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits.

Can I get temporary Medi-Cal?

The Hospital Presumptive Eligibility (PE) program provides adults, pregnant individuals, children, and former foster care enrollees with temporary, no cost Medi-Cal benefits for up to two months. In order to receive Hospital PE benefits, you must complete a simplified application online during a hospital stay.