How do I change from Medi-Cal to Covered California?
Asked by: Cade Bayer | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)
Can I get covered in California if I have Medi-Cal?
I am currently enrolled in Medi-Cal. Can I get health insurance through Covered California? If your income changes during the year or at your annual renewal, you may qualify for other health insurance and premium assistance through Covered California.
Is Covered CA better than Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family. All of the health plans offered through Covered California or by Medi-Cal include the same comprehensive set of benefits known as "essential health benefits.”
How to get off Medi-Cal in California?
If you are in a Medi-Cal health plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan. You can call Health Care Options (HCO), toll free, at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Can I switch to Covered California anytime?
Open enrollment for Covered California starts in the fall. Even when open enrollment is over, individuals with qualifying life events can enroll at any time of the year. Medi-Cal enrollment is also year-round.
Differences Between Covered California, Health Insurance Companies and Medi-Cal
How do I switch from Medi-Cal to Covered CA?
Moving Between Covered California and Medi-Cal
To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.
Who is not eligible for Covered California?
Who is Not Eligible for Covered California? If you are not lawfully present in California, you are not eligible for a Covered California plan. However, you can still apply through Covered California to find out if you are eligible for Medi-Cal or to find coverage for family members who are lawfully present.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in California?
You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($21,597 for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($85,519 per year for a family of four).
How long does Covered California take to process?
Covered Ca Update: Our simplified online Covered Ca application generally take 5-10 minutes versus the 45 minutes average for standard version. Call 800-320-6269. From the time we received the completed online Covered Ca app, we generally process it and confirm enrollment within 24 hours.
Can I have both Medi-Cal and Covered California?
These two-program families are called “mixed-program families.” Your family can apply for both through Covered California application. Individuals in a mixed-program family will face different, but typically lower, costs due to their eligibility for both Covered California and Medi-Cal.
How much does Covered California cost per month?
Apply for health insurance by Jan. 31 — and pay as little as $10 per month if you qualify. How many need coverage? Your Estimate $63 per month for a Silver plan. Bronze as low as $0.
What are the cons of Medi-Cal?
Drawbacks of Medi-Cal Trusts
You don't have the same access during your life. You may actually need these resources at some point in time. In addition to this, you may never need Medi-Cal because you may never become incapacitated.
What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?
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). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo.
How do I know if I qualify for Covered California?
Families of four who earn wages below the median household income in California — $97,200 per year — qualify for government assistance based on their income. If the family has a lower household net income, more government assistance is available to the family. Tax deductions can lower your income level.
Does Kaiser accept Medi-Cal?
The California Medi-Cal program provides health care coverage for some of the most vulnerable populations in the state and Kaiser Permanente participates in the Medi-Cal program to provide high quality care to enrolled beneficiaries in most counties currently served by the health plan.
How much money can I have in my bank account if I have 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. » I was not eligible in the past.
Can I have Medi-Cal and private insurance in California?
Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.
What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?
If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, you may qualify to purchase health insurance through Covered California. Covered California offers “premium assistance.” It helps lower the cost of health care for individuals and families who enroll in a Covered California health plan and meet income rules.
What income is too high for Covered California?
In 2024, an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to $33,975 Meanwhile, that limit rises to $69,375 for a household size of 4. These numbers refer to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as found on line 11 of your Form 1040.
Why did I get denied for Covered California?
Covered California stated that your application was incomplete. You do not have other health coverage (such as free Medi-Cal or employer-sponsored insurance) that prevents you from qualifying for insurance through Covered California. Covered California stated that you are not a California resident.
How do I cancel my Medi-Cal?
If you need to cancel your Medi-Cal coverage, call your local county office. Once you are released from Medi-Cal, get a quote online to view rates and enroll in a Covered California plan. Be aware that there are different income limits for Medicaid/Medi-Cal versus Covered California (the state exchange.)
How does Covered California check your income?
This is called “income verification.” Covered California does this by electronically asking the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) database and other databases if what you reported is the same as what they have on file. The IRS will not share your personal tax data with Covered California.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024-2023?
For 2024, the income limits are generally expressed as a percentage of the FPL and vary by the individual's category. For example, an individual may qualify for Medi-Cal if their yearly income is at or below $20,783. A couple may qualify for Medi-Cal if their annual income is at or below $28,208.
Are Medi-Cal and Covered California the same?
Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health insurance to eligible Californian residents with limited incomes. 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.