Do I have to report Medi-Cal on my taxes?

Asked by: Uriel Hahn  |  Last update: December 28, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)

Yes. Most people with Medi-Cal have coverage that counts as MEC and they will not face a tax penalty. However, there are individuals who have limited Medi-Cal coverage that does not meet MEC.

How do I report Medi-Cal income?

For Medi-Cal, you must report it within 10 days. To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account. You can also find a Licensed Insurance Agent, Certified Enrollment Counselor or county eligibility worker who can provide free assistance in your area.

What happens if you don't report a change to Medi-Cal?

If you do not report changes to your personal information right away, and then receive Medi-Cal benefits that you do not qualify for, you may have to repay DHCS.

Do you have to report Medi-Cal on taxes?

Key Takeaways. The IRS allows all taxpayers to deduct their qualified unreimbursed medical care expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. You must itemize your deductions on IRS Schedule A in order to deduct your medical expenses instead of taking the Standard Deduction.

Will I lose Medicaid if I don't file taxes?

Filing taxes is not an eligibility factor for Medicaid, but whether an applicant files taxes makes a difference in determining who is in an applicant's household.

Do I Have To Repay California Medi-Cal?

28 related questions found

Do I need to report Medi-Cal on my taxes?

Most Medi Cal coverage is considered MEC. Your Form 1095-B shows your Medi-Cal coverage and can be used to verify that you had MEC during the previous calendar year. You can use this information to complete your state and/or federal income tax returns.

Does Medi-Cal count gross or net income?

Keep in mind that these are countable income limits, which is your gross income minus certain deductions. Your gross income can be much higher than your countable income. For example, an individual with no unearned income can make $76,320 a year in gross income and still be eligible for this program.

Is Medi federal income tax?

Yes. Individuals will calculate Additional Medicare Tax liability on their individual income tax returns (Form 1040 or 1040-SR),using Form 8959, Additional Medicare Tax. Individuals will also report Additional Medicare Tax withheld by their employers on their individual income tax returns.

Do I need to save Medi-Cal receipts?

Keep receipts for medical expenses for one year, as your insurance company may request proof of a doctor visit or other verification of medical claims. As of Jan. 1, 2019, you may only deduct the amount of the total unreimbursed allowable medical care expenses for the year that exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Do I have to repay Medi-Cal?

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.

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 happens if you make too much money for Medicaid?

If you need Medicaid coverage and your income is above the Medicaid income guidelines in your state, your state may offer a Medicaid spend-down for aged, blind, and disabled (ABD) individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements.

What happens if you forget to report income to Medi-Cal?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024-2023?

For 2024, the income limits are generally expressed as a percentage of the FPL and vary by the individual's category. For example, an individual may qualify for Medi-Cal if their yearly income is at or below $20,783. A couple may qualify for Medi-Cal if their annual income is at or below $28,208.

How do I report a claim to Medi-Cal?

To file a claim, you must submit a Medi-Cal Claim Form for Beneficiary Reimbursement. The claim form must be filled out in blue or black ink; • The claim form must have an original signature (no copies will be accepted); The Claim Form must include: • A photo copy of your Medi-Cal Beneficiary Identification Card (BIC).

Do I have to put Medi-Cal on my taxes?

Yes. Most people with Medi-Cal have coverage that counts as MEC and they will not face a tax penalty. However, there are individuals who have limited Medi-Cal coverage that does not meet MEC. These people would pay the tax penalty.

Is Medi-Cal state or federal?

Medi-Cal Resources

Medi-Cal is financed equally by the state and federal government. Apply for Medi-Cal and get answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Are my Medi-Cal benefits taxable?

Health plans

If an employer pays the cost of an accident or health insurance plan for his/her employees (including an employee's spouse and dependents), then the employer's payments are not wages and are not subject to social security, Medicare, and FUTA taxes, or federal income tax withholding.

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.

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.

Does Medi-Cal verify income?

In order to determine your eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits, you may be required to submit information verifying your identity, income and/or property.

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.

What if you don't report income?

If you don't include taxable income on your return, it can lead to penalties and interest. The IRS may charge penalties and interest beginning from the date they think you owe the tax.

Does Medicaid look at tax returns?

Due to the “look back”, a long-term Medicaid applicant may be required to provide financial documentation for the past 5 years. California is an exception, and no longer has a Look-Back Period for asset transfers made on or after 1/1/24.