Can you have Covered California and Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Virginia Bartell Sr.  |  Last update: January 21, 2024
Score: 4.2/5 (51 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.

Can you be on Medi-Cal and Covered California at the same time?

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 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.

Is Covered California based on income?

The Covered California income limits require consumers to have a household income that ranges from 0% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) in order to qualify for assistance on a government health insurance plan.

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

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Does everyone qualify for 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.

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 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.

What happens if you don't qualify for Covered California?

If you are uninsured and are not eligible for Medi-Cal or a plan through Covered California, you may qualify for limited health services offered by your county. These programs are not insurance plans and do not provide full coverage.

What income does Medi-Cal count?

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.

Can you have other insurance with Medi-Cal?

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.

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 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 Covered California with no job?

People who are unemployed may be able to get a health plan through Covered California that includes savings based on your household size and income.

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.

Do you have to reapply every year for Covered California?

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. Want to get started with Covered California?

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.

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.

Is it better to get insurance through work or Covered California?

In most cases, your employer offer is your best bet. In fact, if your employer offer meets the federal affordability and minimum value standards, you will not qualify for financial help to lower the cost of a Covered California health plan.

What income is too low for Covered California?

So according to the Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than 47,520 dollars a year or if a family of four earns wages less than 97,200 per year, they will qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Is Covered California for poor people?

Your financial help and whether you qualify for various Covered California or Medi-Cal programs depends on your income, based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Note: Most consumers up to 138% FPL will be eligible for Medi-Cal.

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.