How long can you keep Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Joan Corkery MD  |  Last update: September 9, 2025
Score: 5/5 (40 votes)

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. Medi-Cal renewals can be completed online.

How do I know when my Medi-Cal expires?

If DPSS has the information they need, they will send you a notice to tell you whether or not you still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. If you do still qualify, the letter will indicate that your Medi-Cal is renewed for one year. If you do not still qualify, the letter will indicate when the your Medi-Cal coverage ends.

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.

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.

Does Medi-Cal cancel automatically?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

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How long can I stay on Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits.

What are the limitations of Medi-Cal?

eligibility for 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.

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.

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.

Can Medi-Cal see your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances at any financial institutions you use during the month you apply or during a 60-month look-back period.

Can I get Kaiser with 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.

What assets can you keep when you go on Medicare?

On January 1, 2024, the asset test to qualify for a Medicare Savings Program was eliminated. This means individuals can have any amount of assets and still qualify for a Medicare Savings Program. Assets are things that you own, such as bank accounts, cash, second homes and vehicles.

How often do you have to recertify for Medi-Cal?

Local Medi-Cal offices review each member's eligibility once a year or when they report changes to their household. Everyone's renewal date is different.

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.

Can I check my Medi-Cal status online?

To check the status of your benefits, visit BenefitsCal.com or call 888-472-4463.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

Starting January 2024, all income-eligible Californians may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status.

Does Medi-Cal check your income?

Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.

How many cars can you own on Medicaid?

An applicant is allowed to own one car that's not included in your resource limit if it's used for transportation or by another person living in the house, such as a spouse. You also don't have to be the driver of the vehicle. It's important to know that the value of the vehicle doesn't matter.

Can I have money in the bank and still get Medi-Cal?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

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.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

Can Medi-Cal see your bank account?

However, a Medicaid agency can ask for bank statements at any time, not just annually. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Medicaid recipient to maintain financial eligibility and if one's financial circumstances change, they need to notify the Medicaid agency (generally within 10 days).

Why don t doctors accept Medi-Cal?

Why doctors say they don't see Medi-Cal patients. While low reimbursement rates are the most common reason California doctors say they limit the number of Medi-Cal patients they see, the program's administrative burden is also daunting. Source: California Health Care Foundation.

How much can you make before you lose 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.