Does Medi-Cal interfere with Medicare?
Asked by: Ronny Ward | Last update: December 1, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (16 votes)
Can you have Medi-Cal and Medicare at the same time?
Can a person have both Medicare and Medi-Cal? Yes. Sometimes that's callled “Medi-Medi”, or “dual eligible.” Medicare is billed first for services and Medi-Cal is billed last.
What happens to my Medi-Cal when I turn 65?
If you are aged (65+) or disabled and are not eligible for the SSI program, you may be able to get Medi-Cal through the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level (A&D FPL) program. To qualify, you must: Be aged (65+) or disabled (meet Social Security's definition of disability, even if your disability is blindness).
Do I have to pay for Medicare if I have Medi-Cal?
The State of California participates in a buy-in agreement with CMS, whereby Medi-Cal automatically pays Medicare Part B premiums for all Medi-Cal members who have Medicare Part B entitlement as reported by SSA.
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 Have To Repay California Medi-Cal?
Can I have Medi-Cal and another insurance?
(For Adults Age 19 and above, updated: June 2016) Myth 1: One can not have Medi-Cal and any other insurance at the same time. Fact: There are no restrictions on multiple coverage under Medi-Cal regulations.
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.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?
Best Medicare Supplement: AARP/UnitedHealthcare. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company for Medigap plans in 2025. For most people, the best company for Medigap coverage is AARP/UnitedHealthcare. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover many of the costs that you usually pay if you have regular Medicare.
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.
Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?
People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal for seniors?
Medi-Cal Eligibility
To be eligible for Medi-Cal with no share of cost, your monthly gross income in 2024 must not exceed $1,732 for an individual and not exceed $2,332 for a married couple. For married couples, when one spouse is in a nursing home, higher resource and income limits apply.
Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.
Why do some people have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare-Medicaid enrollees include people ages 65 and over who are in relatively good health but have limited financial resources and people who at one time, may have had more financial resources, but spent their income and wealth on health or long-term care costs.
Which is better, Medicaid or Medi-Cal?
Actually, the good news is – there is no difference between the two. Medi-Cal health insurance is merely California's Medicaid program, which is paid for with federal and state tax revenues.
Is it better to be on Medicare or Medicaid?
While Medicare is the primary payer for medical needs, Medicaid can cover costs that Medicare coverage does not. When you visit a provider that takes both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare pays first for the cost of your care. Medicaid pays second, covering copays and other costs not covered.
Will Medicaid take my Social Security check?
It is essential to know that Social Security benefits are not exempt from Medicaid. Payments you receive from Social Security are counted as income. Nevertheless, you are not automatically barred from obtaining Medicaid coverage just because you receive Social Security benefits.
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.
Is social security considered income for Medi-Cal?
Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts.
What are the limitations of 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 be on Medi-Cal and Medicare?
Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal and are “dual eligible” or Medi Medi beneficiaries. When an individual has both Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare is the primary insurance and pays for most medical care.
Do most doctors accept Medi-Cal?
Do All Doctors Have to 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.
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.