How do I transition from Medicare to Covered CA?

Asked by: Scot Rempel  |  Last update: April 30, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)

Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 and ask if your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) is free and when your coverage starts. Then, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 (TTY: 888-889-4500) and tell us about your Medicare coverage.

How do I switch from Medicare to Covered California?

Covered California won't automatically cancel your plan when you enroll in Medicare. You should call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 (TTY: 888-889-4500) as soon as you know your Medicare eligibility and start date. Covered California requires a 14-day notice before canceling your coverage.

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.

How to transfer Medi-Cal to Covered California?

Moving Between Covered California and Medi-Cal

To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account.

What is the maximum income to qualify for Covered California in 2024?

For 2024, your expected income is less than $21,870 as a single person, less than $29,580 for a household of two people, less than $37,290 for a household of three people, or less than $45,000 for a household of four people.

Transitioning from CoveredCa into Medicare - Guide

44 related questions found

How can I avoid paying back my premium tax credit?

Report any changes in your income during the year to the Marketplace, so your credit can be adjusted and you can avoid any significant repayments at the end of the year.

How do I get Covered California instead of Medi-Cal?

You can apply for health insurance through Covered California in the following ways:
  1. Online: Visit www.CoveredCA.com. ...
  2. By phone: Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 (TTY: (888) 889-4500). ...
  3. By fax: Fax your application to (888) 329-3700.
  4. By mail: Mail the Covered California application to:

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.

Can I cancel Medicare and get Covered California?

There is an exception for people eligible for premium Part A. If you must pay for Medicare Part A, you may purchase a Covered California health plan instead of enrolling in Medicare Part A. You might also qualify for financial help to lower your plan costs, depending on your income.

Is it better to go through Covered California?

Covered California is the best option for getting an individual plan. There are four big reasons it is best to use Covered California: It's the only place where you can get federal or state help paying for your premiums and other health expenses.

Can you have Medicare and Covered California at the same time?

Those who are eligible for Medicare but must pay a premium for Part A coverage also have the option to enroll in a Covered California plan, but will pay penalties if they later decide to switch to Medicare. See Medicare and the Marketplace.

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 are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Can you have Covered California after 65?

Our records indicate that you or someone in your family may qualify for Medicare because you are, or will soon be, age 65 or older. If you have a Covered California plan with financial assistance, you can keep it until you qualify for Medicare.

What is the highest income to qualify 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.

What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal in California?

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.

Can you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal in California?

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. Medical providers are famliar with “Medi-Medis."“

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 happens if I underestimate my income for Covered CA?

When you file your taxes, if your income is less than what you told us on your application, you may receive a credit or refund. If your income is more than what you told us on your application, you may have to repay some or all of the advanced premium tax credits that you got.

What disqualifies you from the premium tax credit?

For tax years other than 2021 and 2022, if your household income on your tax return is more than 400 percent of the federal poverty line for your family size, you are not allowed a premium tax credit and will have to repay all of the advance credit payments made on behalf of you and your tax family members.