Do I have to pay anything with Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Carli Casper  |  Last update: March 3, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (5 votes)

You only need to pay for healthcare costs up to the amount of your share of cost. Once you have met your share of cost, we will pay for the rest of your services in that month that are covered by Medi-Cal. If you do not receive healthcare services or benefits in a month, you do not have to pay anything.

Do you pay anything with Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal offers no-cost and low-cost health coverage to eligible people who live in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees the Medi-Cal program.

Is Medi-Cal really free?

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for Californians who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of immigration status. Most applicants who apply and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through Medi-Cal health plans.

Do you have to pay back Medi-Cal benefits?

What is Estate Recovery? The Medi-Cal Estate Recovery program must seek repayment from the estates of certain Medi-Cal members after they die. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these members on or after their 55th birthday and who own assets at the time of death.

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.

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What does Medi-Cal not cover?

Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.

How much income is too much for 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.

How much money can you have in the bank on 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.

Can I quit Medi-Cal?

Coverage cancellation: If you want to cancel your Medi-Cal plan, you can request this cancellation through Covered California.

Do I have to pay back Medicaid if I get a job?

After you start working, your Medicaid coverage can continue, even if your earnings (alone or in combination with your other income) become too high to receive SSI.

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.

How much is Medi-Cal a month?

For most families, Medi-Cal coverage for kids is free, with no premium, deductible or copays. For CCHIP coverage and sometimes for Medi-Cal, there is a fee of $13 per month per child, up to $39 per family. Want to get started with Covered California?

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.

Does Medi-Cal cover hospital bills?

Medi-Cal is a program that pays medical expenses for people with low income. This includes people who are aged, disabled, or have high medical costs. If you meet the requirements of the program, Medi-Cal will help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and other medical services.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

Do I have to pay for Medicare?

Most people don't pay a Part A premium because they paid Medicare taxes while working. If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $518 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty.

How long can I stay on Medi-Cal?

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

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 I own a home and be on Medi-Cal?

First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.

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.

Can Medi-Cal see your bank account?

While agencies can look at account balances, they can't view your personal bank statements. Other information used to determine Medicaid eligibility often comes from public records.

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.

What happens if my income increases while on Medi-Cal?

You will not lose your Medi-Cal coverage while the continuous coverage requirement is in place if your income goes up or your household changes.

How many cars can you own on Medicaid?

An applicant is allowed to own one car that's not included in your resource limit if it's used for transportation or by another person living in the house, such as a spouse. You also don't have to be the driver of the vehicle. It's important to know that the value of the vehicle doesn't matter.