Does Social Security count as income for Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Cathy Von  |  Last update: July 22, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)

Most Social Security disability and retirement income does count as income for purposes of Medicaid eligibility.

Does Social Security retirement count as income for Medi-Cal?

In most cases, yes, Medicaid will count your Social Security check as part of your income toward those eligibility limits. That includes Social Security retirement payments, Social Security disability income (SSDI) and Social Security survivor's benefits.

What income is not counted 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.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you are on Social Security?

You are eligible for Medi-Cal benefits because you have been approved for SSI/SSP benefits. The first month of your eligibility for Medi-Cal benefits is the month you applied for SSI/SSP, as long as you were eligible for SSI/SSP in that month.

What qualifies as income for Medi-Cal?

According to Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than $47,520 per year or if a family of four earns wages less than $97,200 per year, then they qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Which Income Counts Toward the Social Security Earnings Test?

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What is the maximum income to qualify for Medi-Cal 2021?

For dependents under the age of 19, a household income of 266 percent or less makes them eligible for Medi-Cal. A single adult can earn up to $17,775 in 2021 and still qualify for Medi-Cal. A single adult with one dependent can earn up to $46,338 annually and the child will still be eligible for Medi-Cal.

How much money can you have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

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 the maximum income to qualify for Medi-Cal 2022?

In 2022, the MMMNA in CA is $3,435 / month. If a non-applicant spouse has monthly income under this amount, income can be transferred from the applicant spouse to the non-applicant spouse to bring their monthly income up to this level.

Can I have Medicare and Medi-Cal at the same time?

The short answer to whether some seniors may qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) is: yes.

Does Medi-Cal check your bank account?

Because of this look back period, the agency that governs the state's Medicaid program will ask for financial statements (checking, savings, IRA, etc.) for 60-months immediately preceeding to one's application date. (Again, 30-months in California).

What happens if I don't report my income change to Medi-Cal?

If you do not report changes to your personal information right away, and then receive Medi-Cal benefits that you do not qualify for, you may have to repay DHCS. 19. You, or any family member receiving Medi-Cal, must not be getting public assistance from another state.

What are the two types of Medi-Cal?

This guidebook explains the two kinds of Medi-Cal: Regular Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Health Plans.

Can Medi-Cal take my inheritance?

The inheritance is not counted as monthly income. It is generally considered a one-time lump sum distribution. Consequently, an inheritance of money should not impact your MAGI Medi-Cal eligibility.

Who qualifies for Medi Medi?

People 65 or older. People under 65 with certain disabilities. People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) – permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. People of any age with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Is Medi-Cal based on gross or net 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.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal members. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these members on or after their 55th birthday and who own assets at the time of death. If a deceased member owns nothing when they die, nothing will be owed.

What debts are forgiven at death?

What Types of Debt Can Be Discharged Upon Death?
  • Secured Debt. If the deceased died with a mortgage on her home, whoever winds up with the house is responsible for the debt. ...
  • Unsecured Debt. Any unsecured debt, such as a credit card, has to be paid only if there are enough assets in the estate. ...
  • Student Loans. ...
  • Taxes.

Does having a savings account affect Medi-Cal?

One of the vexing issues for people attempting to qualify for Medi-Cal are the limits on a person's assets. And when they do have assets, such as a savings account, the Medi-Cal rules necessitate that the individual must spend down those assets in order to qualify for conditional or Non-MAGI Medi-Cal eligibility.

What is the asset test for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal limits seniors and people with disabilities to assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples — a restriction that has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, a second car, and other resources.

Is Covered California the same as Medi-Cal?

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 assistance if they qualify for it.

Can you go to any doctor with Medi-Cal?

Also called the Medi-Cal card. A woman can go directly to any network provider for women's health care without a referral from another doctor. You can request that another doctor or specialist see you before you make decisions about your doctor's plan for your care or surgery.

Does Medi-Cal cover dental implants?

Your Medical Insurance May Cover Dental Implants

If your tooth loss has resulted in medical complications, your health insurance might provide coverage. Dental implants required after oral cancer may also be covered by medical insurance.

Does IRS report to Medi-Cal?

No. DHCS will only report a person's coverage to the IRS and FTB if that person receives coverage from Medi-Cal. Every person in the home enrolled in Medi-Cal will get their own Form 1095-B.

Does Medi-Cal automatically renew?

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 my Medi-Cal be Cancelled during Covid?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the county should not stop your Medi-Cal benefits even if your income goes up until July 2022. When the emergency declaration ends, the county welfare office must give you a written notice at least 10 days before your benefits will stop.