Do you have to choose a plan with Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Floyd Frami Jr. | Last update: March 29, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (38 votes)
Do I have to choose a plan for Medi-Cal?
When you first qualify for Medi-Cal, you are covered under Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service. Depending on the county where you live, you may have to choose a health plan within 30 days. If you do not choose a health plan within 30 days, Medi-Cal will choose a health plan for you.
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.
Can I get Medi-Cal if I have other insurance?
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.
Which Medi-Cal plan is best?
- Kaiser
- Blue Shield Promise
- Community Health Group
- Molina
Medicare Part A B C D Explained (and made simple!)
What are the two types of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is health coverage for low-income children and adults. There are two kinds of Medi-Cal, the expanded Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) coverage and classic coverage. Some Medi-Cal programs have a Share of Cost, but most do not.
What is the very best Medi-Cal insurance?
Investopedia's analysis ranks Kaiser Permanente as the best health insurance company for 2025 because of its blend of affordability and low customer complaints. UnitedHealthcare and Aetna also earned top marks. We evaluated nine insurers using dozens of criteria, such as customer satisfaction, plan types, and costs.
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.
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 I change my Medi-Cal plan?
Yes. If you are in a Medi-Cal health plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan. You can call Health Care Options (HCO), toll free, at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
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.
Do most doctors accept Medi-Cal?
Not necessarily. Doctors can refuse to take Medi-Cal patients. Before receiving treatment, check whether the provider accepts Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service payments to avoid having to pay out of pocket.
Can I get Kaiser with Medi-Cal?
At Kaiser Permanente, you have a wide network of doctors and specialists to choose from. All of our doctors accept Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal members. Get care from a doctor or specialist – including appointments, exams, and treatment. Your child can get regular check-ups – including shots and vaccines.
How do I know my Medi-Cal plan?
Contact your local county social services office to learn about your Medi-Cal status and eligibility. The California Department of Health Care Services has a full directory of each county's agency.
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.
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.
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.
Can you have Medi-Cal and private insurance at the same time?
You can have Medi-Cal even though you have Other Health Coverage (OHC) through individual or group private health (or dental) insurance coverage. See the email we rec'd May 17th from Medi Cal to clarify some of these issues. Read the rest of the page on which plan pays first, etc. namely, the other plan.
How often should I renew my Medi-Cal?
Local Medi-Cal offices review each member's eligibility once a year or when they report changes to their household. Everyone's renewal date is different.
How many months can you go without health insurance in California?
As a California resident, you should carry insurance throughout the year with no gaps in coverage of 90 days or more. Otherwise, you may face a tax penalty when you file your tax return. There are some exemptions to California's penalty, which we'll discuss later.
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.”
Which health insurance denies the most claims?
According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.
What is the most expensive health insurance in California?
The most expensive health insurance in California is a platinum plan for an elderly adult, with an average monthly rate of $1982.
Does Medi-Cal have different plans?
How You Get Medical Care Under Medi-Cal. Plan options vary depending on the county you reside in. Most counties offer commercial plans including Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Health Net, and Molina. Other counties offer public plans administered by the community.