Does Medi-Cal pay for everything?

Asked by: Ernest Harris  |  Last update: October 6, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (52 votes)

Medi-Cal covers most medically necessary care. This includes doctor and dentist appointments, prescription drugs, vision care, family planning, mental health care, and drug or alcohol treatment. Medi-Cal also covers transportation to these services. Read more in “Covered Benefits” on page 12.

What does full Medi-Cal cover?

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health care for some people who live in California. Full scope Medi-Cal covers more than just care when you have an emergency. It provides medical, dental, mental health, and vision (eye) care. It also covers alcohol and drug use treatment, drugs your doctor orders, and more.

Is Medi-Cal really free?

For many individuals who enroll in Medi-Cal, there is no premium, no co-payment, and no out of pocket cost. Effective July 1, 2022, all monthly premiums were reduced to $0.00.​ In general, individuals in Medi-Cal will get the same health benefits available through Covered California at a lower cost.

Does Medi-Cal cover copays?

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 ...

Does Medi-Cal check your assets?

4. How to Qualify. To find out if you qualify for one of Medi-Cal's programs, look at your countable asset levels. As of July 1, 2022, you may have up to $130,000 in assets as an individual, up to $195,000 in assets as a couple, and an additional $65,000 for each family member.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

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What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?

Medicaid income eligibility in California is based on household size. To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home.

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.

Does Medi-Cal cover emergency room visits?

In the event you have a medical emergency before you find a doctor, contact 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. Medi-Cal does cover emergency services for enrolled members, and if you show your BIC to emergency room staff, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.

Do you have to pay back Medi-Cal in California?

Do you have to pay back California Medicaid? The Medi-Cal program is required to seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal members. The rules state that repayment only applies to the benefits received by members on or after their 55th birthday and who owned assets at the time of death.

Is Medi-Cal for poor families?

This is a public health insurance program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

How much is Medi-Cal monthly?

Medi-Cal monthly premium amounts have been reduced to $0.00 effective July 1, 2022. Monthly billing and collection of premiums for the Medi-Cal for Families program will no longer be required.

Who pays for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes.

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 program limits?

You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($20,120 for an individual; $41,400 for a family of four). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($79,800 per year for a family of four).

What type of insurance is Medi-Cal considered?

Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, is a public insurance health care program which provides health care services for low-income individuals and families who meet defined eligibility requirements.

Does Medi-Cal cover ambulance service?

Program Coverage

Medi-Cal covers ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) only when ordinary public or private conveyance is medically contra-indicated and transportation is required for obtaining needed medical care.

Can Medi-Cal be used in other states?

CCR, Title 22, Chapter 3, Article 1.3, Section 51006, allows reimbursement for medically necessary emergency services that need to be provided by an out-of-state provider to California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) recipients temporarily in another state.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Covered California?

Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health coverage to eligible Californian residents with limited income. Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where Californians can shop for health plans and access financial help if they qualify for it.

What's the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is what we call the joint Federal-State Medicaid program in California (just like Covered California is what we call Obamacare in California). Medi-Cal and Medicaid are essentially the same thing.

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.

What is Medi-Cal $2000 limit?

The most significant change is the increase in the California Medi-Cal asset limit, which increased from $2,000 to $130,000 for single recipients who are disabled or over age 65, effective July 1, 2022. Additional increased limits will apply to families and to couples who need long-term care services for one spouse.

What age does Medi-Cal stop?

All California residents under the age of 26 who meet the eligibility requirements can qualify to receive Medi-Cal, regardless of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.