Can you have both Covered California and Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Emmet Watsica  |  Last update: January 4, 2024
Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)

These two-program families are called “mixed-program families.” Your family can apply for both through Covered California application. Individuals in a mixed-program family will face different, but typically lower, costs due to their eligibility for both Covered California and Medi-Cal.

Is Covered California part of Medi-Cal?

What is Covered California? Covered California is the new marketplace that makes it possible for individuals and families to get free or low- cost health insurance through Medi-Cal, or to get help paying for private health insurance. Our goal is to make it simple and affordable for Californians to get health insurance.

Can you have two insurances in California?

Typically, your employer's plan is primary and your spouse's plan is secondary. This means that a given claim will go first to your California health carrier and then to your spouse's carrier where they will coordinate claims payments based on your plan's benefits.

Can I get Medi-Cal as a secondary insurance?

If you have private health insurance, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. Members who already have insurance can add Medi-Cal coverage to their existing plan. Your provider will first bill your private insurance, and then Medi-Cal will pay for any additional services it covers.

Can a person have Medicare and Medi-Cal at the same time?

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.

What are the differences between Covered California, health insurance companies, and Medi-Cal?

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What are income limits for Covered California?

The limits are based on both household income and household size. In 2022, an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to $51,520. Meanwhile, that limit rises to $106,000 for a household size of 4.

What does Medi-Cal count as income?

Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts. Learn more about what types of income affect income-based Medi-Cal eligibility.

What is the age limit for Covered California?

People under age 26 can stay on a parent's health plan. People under 30 have special options for health insurance. They can buy a minimum coverage health plan (also known as a catastrophic plan). These plans are inexpensive and protect you from staggering medical bills in case of an emergency.

Can I get Covered California if I already have insurance?

Employees who are offered health coverage by their employer that is affordable and meets minimum value standards do not qualify for financial help to lower the cost of a Covered California health plan. You may still buy a Covered California health plan, but you will have to pay the full cost of that plan.

What are the benefits of double medical coverage?

Benefits of having two health insurance plans

It may help you cover some extra costs that you have incurred. If you find that you frequently have to pay medical expenses out-of-pocket because your current health insurance plan does not have enough coverage, then having a second health insurance plan can be beneficial.

Can I be on two separate insurance policies?

Having two auto insurance policies is legal, but filing the same claim with two different insurers isn't. If you receive compensation from two insurance providers for the same claim, it's regarded as insurance fraud, says Motor1.com.

Can anyone get Covered California?

California residents who don't have an offer of affordable coverage can get a health plan through Covered California. In addition, most immigrants qualify for health coverage, including the following groups: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Lawful temporary residents.

Who pays for Medi-Cal in California?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes.

What insurance company is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program that provides medical services to low-income people at little or no cost. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

What income disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?

Adults qualify for Medi-Cal with a household income of less than 138% of FPL. However, according to the Covered California income guide, children who enroll on Obama Care California plans may qualify for Medi-Cal when the family has a household income of 266% or less.

What is California Medi-Cal changing to in 2023?

Starting January 2023, Medi-Cal health coverage for most remaining dually eligible beneficiaries changed from Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal to Medi-Cal Managed Care.

Does Medi-Cal pay for everything?

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. Read more in “Covered Benefits” on page 12.

Does Medi-Cal look at your savings account?

Medi-Cal limits seniors and people with disabilities to assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples — a restriction that has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, a second car, and other resources.

Can I have a savings account and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

For example: A Medi-Cal applicant whose total non-exempt property consists of a savings account with a balance of $3,300 in a month must reduce the savings account to $2,000 in that month. In this same situation, where there is a couple, the savings must be reduced to $3,000.

How many cars can you own on Medi-Cal?

ONE car. Insurance policies. Whole life (if total face value is $1,500 or less) and term life.

Do you have to apply for Medi-Cal every year?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically. Sometimes the county will send you a renewal form that you must review and return, along with any additional required information.

Is Medi-Cal free?

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans.