Can you have both Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Asked by: Casimir Kub  |  Last update: December 15, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (14 votes)

Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application. This means that once you apply using CoveredCA.com, you'll find out which program you qualify for. Some households qualify for both.

Is Covered California considered Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family.

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 you be on Medi-Cal and private 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.

How do I change from Medi-Cal to Covered California?

Moving Between Covered California and Medi-Cal

To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.

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

26 related questions found

What is the income limit for Covered California?

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. These numbers refer to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as found on line 11 of your Form 1040.

Can anyone get Covered California?

Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.

What other benefits can I get with Medi-Cal?

​​​​What are the Medi-Cal Benefits?
  • Outpatient (Ambulatory) services.
  • Emergency services.
  • Hospitalization.
  • Maternity and Newborn care.
  • Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services​
  • Prescription Drugs.
  • Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services) and devices.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you have money in the bank?

4. How to Qualify. To find out if you qualify for one of Medi-Cal's programs, look at your countable asset levels. As of July 1, 2022, you may have up to $130,000 in assets as an individual, up to $195,000 in assets as a couple, and an additional $65,000 for each family member.

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.

Can you stack insurance policies in California?

However, California prohibits the stacking of insurance policies. This means that a person's underinsured motorist insurance policy can only be used if their own coverage amount is greater than the total amount of coverage the at-fault driver had.

Can I have two separate insurance policies?

Although no laws prohibit you from purchasing two auto policies from two different companies, an insurer will not allow you to purchase two policies on the same car. If you have an auto accident, filing two claims with two different insurance providers constitutes insurance fraud even with two auto policies.

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).

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

Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.

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

Note: You can choose to get Medi-Cal even if you have employer-sponsored coverage. If you have both at the same time, Medi-Cal may decide it is cost-effective for them to pay your portion of your employer-sponsored health insurance's premium.

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.

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.

How does Medi-Cal check income?

The Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal method uses Federal tax rules to decide if you qualify based on how you file your taxes and your countable income. Property rules: No property limits. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal includes many special programs.

What if I can't afford Covered California?

If you or anyone in your tax household has offers of health coverage from a job or through Covered California that you cannot afford, you can apply for an affordability hardship exemption.

Can you join Covered California at any time?

Open enrollment for Covered California starts in the fall. Even when open enrollment is over, individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year. Medi-Cal enrollment is also year-round.

Does Covered California require proof of income?

Covered California will accept a clear, legible copy from the allowable document proof list from the following categories which you can click on for more details: Proof of Income, Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence, Proof of California Residency, and Proof of Minimum Essential Coverage.