Do you pay anything with Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Jose Gerhold  |  Last update: April 26, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (14 votes)

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.

Do I have to pay anything with Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans.

What exactly does Medi-Cal cover?

Medi-Cal covers primary care, specialty care, prescription drugs, and dental if it is considered "medically necessary." Most people who have Medi-Cal do not pay co-pays or out-of-pocket costs.

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.

Do I need to pay back Medi-Cal?

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.

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Can I quit Medi-Cal?

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

How much is Medi-Cal per month?

If eligible, as of July 1, 2022 a California law allows you to receive full Medi-Cal coverage with $0 monthly premium. 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).

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.

Does Medi-Cal affect 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.

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.

Does Medi-Cal check your income?

Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.

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 you have a copay with Medi-Cal?

Medi- Cal may pay for any co-pays or deductibles you accrue under your private health insurance coverage, Medicare Part A (in-patient hospital), Medicare Part B (out-patient services, including specialty care and lab tests), Veterans Insurance, Tricare or any other public or private insurance plan that allows for such ...

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.

Does Medi-Cal look at your bank account?

Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

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.

Can I go to any ER with Medi-Cal?

Emergency Rooms: As stated above, if you have an emergency and you cannot find a doctor right away, you can go to the emergency room at any hospital. If you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.

Is Medi-Cal as good as Covered California?

Covered California health plans require payment of premiums and other costs such as copays and coinsurance, while Medi-Cal can provide health coverage at low- to no-cost.

Is Medi-Cal still free?

Effective July 1, 2022, all monthly premiums were reduced to $0. In general, individuals in Medi-Cal will get the same health benefits available through Covered California at a lower or no cost.

What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?

Yes. If you make too much to qualify for Medi-Cal, you can apply for Covered California. Covered California is a state-run health care insurance exchange that offers financial assistance to reduce your premiums payments.

Who pays for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal, like all Medicaid programs, is financed using federal and state dollars. This section discusses how the federal government pays, through the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), and what California pays for with state dollars.

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 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.

How much money does Medicare allow you to have in the bank?

This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.