Can you go to any doctor if you have Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Mrs. Itzel Hahn | Last update: October 27, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (13 votes)
Can you go to any doctor with Medi-Cal?
After you choose a medical plan, you choose a primary care provider (PCP) — a doctor or clinic that belongs to your medical plan. You must go to your PCP first for your health care. The doctor or clinic you go to now may be part of the medical plan.
Is Medi-Cal accepted everywhere?
Not necessarily. Doctors can refuse to take Medi-Cal patients. Before receiving treatment, check whether the provider accepts Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service payments to avoid having to pay out of pocket.
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).
Why do doctors not 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.
What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)
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.
Can I go to any ER with Medi-Cal?
Emergency Rooms: As stated above, if you have an emergency and you cannot find a doctor right away, you can go to the emergency room at any hospital. If you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.
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.
Can I use Medi-Cal in another country?
If you want Medicaid in another state, you will need to apply in that state. Medi-Cal does not cover emergency, urgent, or any other health care services outside of the United States, except for Canada and Mexico as noted in the “How to get care” section of this online handbook.
Is Medi-Cal really free?
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for Californians who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of immigration status. Most applicants who apply and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through Medi-Cal health plans.
What is the highest income to qualify 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).
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.
How to make a doctor's appointment with Medi-Cal?
You can book appointments through the app, on the website or with a call to 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362). Medical appointments can occur 24/7 from any place.
Does Medi-Cal cover all bills?
Medi-Cal covers most medically necessary care. This includes doctor and dentist appointments, prescription drugs, vision care, family planning, mental health care, and drug or alcohol treatment. Medi-Cal also covers transportation to these services.
Can I change my doctor with Medi-Cal?
You can change your primary care physician at any time by calling our Member Services department or by submitting a request online. It may take up to 30 days for the change to take effect. Phone: (800) 605-2556 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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 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.
How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?
Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.
Why do some doctors not accept Medi-Cal?
Physicians are more likely to report difficulty obtaining referrals for Medi-Cal patients than for privately insured patients. The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.
How long do you lose Medicaid if you leave the country?
Medicaid provides no option for coverage outside of the United States. If you are covered by Medicaid, you should be aware that coverage can be suspended if you remain outside of the country for more than 30 days. You would have to jump through hoops in order to regain this coverage.
Is Medi-Cal for poor people?
Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health coverage for children and families. Depending on income and family size, you and your family may be eligible to free or low-cost Medi-Cal. Your income must be within the limits for the appropriate family size based on the Federal Poverty Levels (FPL).
Does Medi-Cal cover an ambulance?
Medi-Cal covers ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) only when ordinary public or private conveyance is medically contra-indicated and transportation is required for obtaining needed medical care. Non-medical transportation (NMT) is used for a recipient to obtain covered Medi-Cal services.
Does Medi-Cal cover hospital visits?
Medi-Cal currently provides a core set of health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, immunization, pregnancy-related services and nursing home care. The Affordable Care Act ensures all Medi-Cal health plans offer what are known as Essential Health Benefits (EHB).
Can you leave the ER without seeing a doctor?
Some people leave the ER without being seen by a healthcare provider. A common reason is long wait times. 8 You are free to leave but then you may not receive the care you need in a timely manner. Don't leave the hospital without first talking to the ER staff.