Do you need Social Security for Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Janet Funk  |  Last update: December 30, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (32 votes)

Adults age 19 or older may qualify for limited Medi-Cal benefits even if they do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or cannot prove their immigration status. These benefits cover emergency, pregnancy-related and long-term care services.

Do you need a Social Security number for Medi-Cal?

Give a Social Security Number (SSN) for anyone who is applying for Medi-Cal benefits. If you are a United States (U.S.) Citizen, a U.S. national, or a person with satisfactory immigration status, you must provide an SSN.

Does Social Security count as income when applying for Medi-Cal?

Unearned Income

This type of income relates to interest on savings and retirement accounts, pensions, annuities, veteran's benefits, etc. Social Security counts as unearned income as well. Gifts, royalties, and inheritances also count as unearned income.

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.

How does Medi-Cal check income?

The Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal method uses Federal tax rules to decide if you qualify based on how you file your taxes and your countable income. Property rules: No property limits. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal includes many special programs.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 2) Eligibility Requirements

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Why did I get denied Medi-Cal?

Reasons for Medicaid / Medi-Cal Denial

Most commonly, an applicant is denied due to having income and / or assets over Medicaid's limit(s). See state-by-state eligibility criteria here. Another common denial factor is actually an approval, but with a Penalty Period due to violating Medicaid's Look-Back Rule.

Can I work while on Medi-Cal?

If you get Medi-Cal coverage and then get a job, you have a couple of options for keeping your Medi-Cal benefits. If you got Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits before you got your job, Social Security's 1619(b) program lets you earn up to $56,758 annually and still keep Medi-Cal coverage at no cost.

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

Additionally, if you don't report your income change within the required time frame, it may affect what you're eligible for in terms of savings and coverage. Essentially, the amount you earn directly impacts the amount you pay for your health insurance plan.

What is California Medi-Cal changing to in 2023?

Starting January 2023, Medi-Cal health coverage for most remaining dually eligible beneficiaries changed from Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal to Medi-Cal Managed Care.

Is Social Security included as income?

You must pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a: Federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. Joint return, and you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000.

Why do Medi-Cal forms ask for Social Security number?

Guarantee of payment: Some people simply do not pay their bills, and hospitals and healthcare providers often have little recourse if they can't contact you. As the one universal identifier of all Americans, Social Security numbers give healthcare providers the last-ditch means to collect on medical debt.

Is Medi-Cal only for citizens?

Citizenship status does not affect eligibility for Medi-Cal. It does affect the level of benefits adults are potentially eligible to. Medi-Cal eligible undocumented adults aged 26 to 49 currently get restricted/emergency only services. This includes pregnancy services.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid

The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. In 2023 these limits are: $14,580 for a single adult person, $30,000 for a family of four and $50,560 for a family of eight.

What is the max age for Medi-Cal?

Beginning May 1, 2022, a new law in California will give full scope Medi-Cal to adults 50 years of age or older and immigration status does not matter. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

How much do you have to make a year to qualify 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 you have to apply for Medi-Cal every year?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically. Sometimes the county will send you a renewal form that you must review and return, along with any additional required information.

Can I choose Covered California instead of Medi-Cal?

You may be eligible for health coverage through Covered California if you are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal due to an income increase or change in household size. In order to avoid a gap in your health coverage, Covered California can help you select a new plan before your Medi-Cal coverage ends.

Is it too late to apply for Medi-Cal?

Open enrollment is from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31.

After you enter your information, you will find out whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California. Get Started.

Does California Medi-Cal cover dental implants?

Medi – Cal generally does not cover implants.

However, check out Dental for Everyone they have plans that will cover implants! Remember though, there is no free lunch. Insurance Companies have to take in more money in premiums than the pay in claims…

Can I get Covered California if I have a job?

You may have coverage as a current worker or retiree. You can shop for health coverage through Covered California, but you won't qualify for financial help in the form of premium tax credits if your employer offers a health plan that meets minimum value standards and is considered affordable.

Does Medi-Cal cover surgery?

medications. Inpatient hospital services • Anesthesiologist services • Surgical services (bariatric, reconstructive surgery, etc.) Organ & tissue transplantation • Outpatient laboratory and X-ray services o Various advanced imaging procedures are covered based on medical necessity.