Can you have health insurance and Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Dr. Doug Fadel IV  |  Last update: July 12, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

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 I have Medi-Cal and another health insurance?

(For Adults Age 19 and above, updated: June 2016) Myth 1: One can not have Medi-Cal and any other insurance at the same time. Fact: There are no restrictions on multiple coverage under Medi-Cal regulations.

Can you have Medi-Cal assistance and private insurance?

You can have Medicaid and private health insurance at the same time, and there are some advantages and disadvantages to doing so. In many cases, if you're eligible for both Medicaid and private insurance, your private insurance plan will be the primary coverage, and your Medicaid coverage will be supplemental.

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

If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you can still purchase a health coverage plan through Covered California, but you cannot receive premium assistance to reduce its cost and will have to pay the full cost of the Covered California health care plan's premium.

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

Yes, it's possible! Explore your options for keeping Medi-Cal when you're employed — or transitioning to an affordable health plan — and how Covered California can help.

Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

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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.

Can you have 2 Medi-Cal insurances at the same time?

Can I have 2 health insurance plans at the same time? Yes. A process called coordination of benefits determines which insurance plan will pay first. Your primary plan will pay for the health claim first, paying the costs up to the plan's coverage limits, and then your second plan will kick in.

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).

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 much money can I make and keep Medi-Cal?

Most single individuals will qualify for Medi-Cal if there income is under $1,676 per month. Most couples will qualify if their income is under $2,267 per month. If you have disabilities, your income can be slightly higher. You can qualify for Medi-Cal even if you have assets.

Can I have both employer insurance and Medicaid?

The simple answer to the question of “can you have both Medicaid and private insurance?” is a resounding “YES”!

Will I lose my Medi-Cal if I get married?

If your new spouse is employed, their income will factor into whether you are still eligible. It is likely that you will no longer qualify for Medi-Cal coverage after marriage. If your spouse's company offers health insurance, they can add you to their policy. You will then have commercial health insurance coverage.

Does Kaiser accept Medi-Cal?

The California Medi-Cal program provides health care coverage for some of the most vulnerable populations in the state and Kaiser Permanente participates in the Medi-Cal program to provide high quality care to enrolled beneficiaries in most counties currently served by the health plan.

What are the limitations of Medi-Cal?

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 does secondary insurance mean?

Secondary insurance is health insurance that pays after primary insurance on a claim for medical or hospital care. It usually pays for some or all of the costs left after the primary insurer has paid (e.g., deductibles, copayments, coinsurances).

Does Medi-Cal check bank accounts?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

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 lie to Medi-Cal?

And the felony penalties for this form of Medi-Cal fraud include: Felony probation; Two (2), three (3) or five (5) years in county jail; and/or. A fine of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or double the amount of the fraud, whichever is greater.

Can I have Medi-Cal and another insurance?

Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have other health coverage (OHC) (Commercial health insurance, Medicare, Tricare, etc.) can keep their OHC when they become mandatorily enrolled into managed care.

Why does no one accept Medi-Cal?

The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.

How long can I stay on Medi-Cal?

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

Is it worth having secondary health insurance?

Having multiple health insurance plans can expand your healthcare options and minimize costs. However, the premium and administrative costs can be prohibitive, and two plans might only end up providing redundant coverage.

Can I switch my Medi-Cal plan?

You have the right to change your Medi-Cal health plan at any time. You can call Medi-Cal HCO Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (800) 430-4263 (TTY (800) 430-7077). Or go to www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov.

What is double insurance?

Double insurance refers to the method of getting insurance of same subject matter with more than one insurer or with same insurer under different policies. This means that one can get insurance policies on a subject matter more than its value. Double insurance is possible in all types of insurance contracts.