How long do you have to live in California to get medical?

Asked by: Philip Bergnaum  |  Last update: August 5, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (30 votes)

There is no time period associated with being a California resident. However, a person does have to be physically present in California with the intent to remain in California permanently or indefinitely. Where can I get more information on Medi-Cal Eligibility?

Can I get Medi-Cal if I just moved to California?

To qualify for Medi-Cal, you must live in the state of California and meet certain rules. You must give income and tax filing status information for everyone who is in your family and is on your tax return. You also may need to give information about your property.

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.

What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?

You may be able to receive a reimbursement if:

You received a Medi-Cal covered service on a date that you were eligible for Medi-Cal. The three periods of eligibility that are included are the following: RETRO: The 3-month period prior to the month you applied for the Medi-Cal program.

How long do you have to live in CA to be considered a resident?

Establishing physical presence and intent

To meet these requirements, you must be continuously physically present in California for more than one year (366 days) immediately prior to the residence determination date (generally the first day of classes) and intend to make California your home permanently.

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What is the 183 day rule in California?

In fact, the purpose of time spent in California may have more weight in determining legal residency than the actual number of days spent. To classify as a nonresident, an individual has to prove that they were in the state for less than 183 days and that their purpose for being in the state was temporary.

What is the CA resident rule?

You will be presumed to be a California resident for any taxable year in which you spend more than nine months in this state. Although you may have connections with another state, if your stay in California is for other than a temporary or transitory purpose, you are a California resident.

How long does it take to qualify for Medi-Cal in California?

The process for verifying your Medi-Cal eligibility, from the time your completed application is received to when you receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC), normally takes 45 days.

How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?

Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

What are the new rules for Medi-Cal in 2024?

On January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal eliminated any asset limit for enrollees and instead considers only applicants' income when assessing financial eligibility for benefits.

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.

Can you have health insurance in one state and live in another?

If you live in two different states or frequently travel within the country, you may want to sign up for a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. A PPO plan gives you more nationwide options for providers and health care services. That means you're able to use your health insurance no matter where you are.

What are the residency requirements for Medi-Cal?

Requirements for Medi-Cal Eligibility

Residency The person must be a California resident, with the intent to reside in the State of California. Citizenship/Immigration Status To receive full-scope coverage, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with satisfactory immigration status.

Can you be denied Medi-Cal?

Common Reasons for Medi-Cal Coverage Denials

Eligibility Issues: Denials can occur due to discrepancies in income, residency, or documentation, leading to questions about eligibility.

What documents are needed for Medi-Cal in California?

Apply for Medi-Cal
  • Identification – Driver's license, California ID card, passport, birth certificates, or proof of immigration status.
  • Social Security numbers for applicants who have them or are eligible to have them.
  • Proof of residency – Rent or mortgage receipt or utility bill.

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 you enroll in Medi-Cal anytime?

Medi-Cal enrollment happens year round. Apply any time for Medi-Cal using our online application.

Can you own a home and get Medi-Cal in California?

First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.

How long do you have to live in California to be a resident?

Physical presence. You must be continuously physically present in California for more than one year (366 days) immediately prior to the residence determination date of the term for which you request resident status.

How does California determine if you are a resident?

A resident is any individual who meets any of the following: • Present in California for other than a temporary or transitory purpose. Domiciled in California, but outside California for a temporary or transitory purpose. See Section L, Meaning of Domicile. A nonresident is any individual who is not a resident.

When am I no longer considered a California resident?

Presumption of Non-Residency

You are presumed to be a non-resident in a taxable year if you meet all of the following conditions: You are domiciled outside of California and maintain a permanent home there. Your stay in California did not exceed six months in a taxable year.