Can you have Medi-Cal assistance and private insurance?
Asked by: Ellen Spinka | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (7 votes)
Can I have private insurance and 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.
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.
What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.
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.
Too Much Income for Medicaid? What Can I Do?
Can you have dual coverage with Medi-Cal?
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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”!
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).
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.
How does Medi-Cal verify income?
Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.
Can you have both public and private health insurance?
There are several scenarios in which someone may be covered by multiple health insurance plans, including: An individual might supplement their private health insurance plan with a government program, such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Can you own a home and get Medi-Cal?
Yes, you can. First, your primary residence is an “exempt asset” for purpose of the Medi-Cal eligibility process, meaning your primary residence is not counted as a resource for Medi-Cal qualification because it is an exempt asset.
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.
Will I lose my Medi-Cal if I sell my house?
➢ 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.
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.
Does Medi-Cal check savings?
As of January 1, 2024, all income-eligible people are able to access Medi-Cal's Aged and Disabled program, Medicare Savings Programs, and Long-Term Care programs regardless of assets. California is the first state in the nation to eliminate its asset test for ALL Medi-Cal programs.
Why don t doctors 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.
Is Medi-Cal as good as 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. All of the health plans offered through Covered California or by Medi-Cal include the same comprehensive set of benefits known as "essential health benefits.”
Can I have insurance and Medi-Cal?
Families who already have health insurance coverage for their child can still benefit from Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program), which may be used as secondary insurance to pay for certain expenses that primary health insurance doesn't cover.
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 be on my spouse's health insurance and my own?
Can I keep my plan and join my spouse's plan? Yes, you can. If you already have health insurance, you can also opt to go on your spouse's as a form of secondary insurance, says Gross. Your primary insurance will pay its share of your medical costs first.