How does dual Medi-Cal coverage work?

Asked by: Prof. Audie Ruecker IV  |  Last update: May 5, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (26 votes)

Medicare Medi-Cal Plans (MMPs or Medi-Medi Plans) When dual eligible beneficiaries choose a Medicare plan that is an MMP, they are automatically enrolled in the Medi-Cal plan that aligns with their Medicare plan, so there is one organization coordinating care across both sets of benefits.

Can you have dual coverage with Medi-Cal?

If a child has multiple insurance plans, Medi-Cal is always the payer of last resort — in other words, the last provider to be billed. The child's private insurance bears the primary responsibility for health care coverage. Any other secondary private insurance must be billed before Medi-Cal will cover the service.

How does dual Medi-Cal coverage work?

Having two health plans doesn't mean you'll receive full medical coverage twice. Instead, one policy will be your primary plan, and the other will be your secondary health coverage. This ensures the total amount your two plans will pay for your health expenses will never exceed 100% of the cost of those expenses.

How does dual eligibility work?

People who are entitled to both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dually eligible individuals, fall into several eligibility groups. These individuals may either be enrolled first in Medicare and then qualify for Medicaid or vice versa.

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.

What You NEED TO KNOW About New Medi-Cal Eligibility Rules

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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.

How does dual enrollment work in California?

Dual enrollment provides students the unique opportunity to take community college classes while still in high school. Dual enrollment – also known as concurrent enrollment – enables high school students to take college courses, taught by college professors, at their high school campus.

Can you have private insurance and Medicaid at the same time?

Even if you are already enrolled in your own or family's private health insurance, you may still qualify for Medicaid benefits. This is perfect for individuals who are given health insurance from their employer but are still struggling to make ends meet.

What is the difference between dual and DSNP?

Dual Special Needs Plans are for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual eligible"). A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is a unique Medicare Advantage plan that combines your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, and your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

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.

How do you determine which insurance is primary and which is secondary?

The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.

What is the dual complete plan?

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans

This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.

How does dual Medi-Cal coverage work?

The way it works is that one plan is designated as primary insurance and the other as secondary. A claim goes first to the primary insurance plan, which pays medical bills the way it normally would. It is only after the primary insurer pays the claim that it gets submitted to the secondary plan.

Can you get Kaiser if you have Medi-Cal?

After you've been approved for Medi-Cal, you may be able to choose Kaiser Permanente as your Medi-Cal managed care plan.

Which Medi-Cal plan is best?

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 19, 2023 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Medi-Cal health plan is the highest rated in the state for quality care, according to a December 2022 report from the state's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

Can you have Medi-Cal and private insurance at the same time?

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.

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.

How to bill Medicaid as secondary insurance?

So, how do you bill Medicaid? Short answer: You don't bill Medicaid. The way coordination of benefits works when you have dual coverage is that your healthcare provider first sends the bill to Medicare. Once Medicare pays its share, the bill then goes to your secondary insurer of record, in this case Medicaid.

Is it worth doing dual enrollment?

Dual enrollment courses offer a strategic approach to saving money on college and investing time in your education. By taking college-level classes in high school, you can accumulate credits without paying full price for a college course, potentially reducing the overall cost of your degree.

How much does dual enrollment cost in California?

Cost: Tuition fees are typically free for Dual Enrollment students. Check with your high school counselor or the Admissions & Records Office at the California community college you plan to attend to make sure you are up to speed on the cost to enroll.

How is dual enrollment paid for?

Who Pays for Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit? The state and students are primarily responsible for covering the costs associated with participating in the Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit program.

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.

Does Medi-Cal look at your bank account?

Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

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.