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

Asked by: Dr. Loma Jacobs DVM  |  Last update: December 1, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (72 votes)

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.

Does Medi-Cal start immediately?

Once your Medi-Cal eligibility is confirmed, the health coverage is effective beginning the first day of the month when you applied.

How do I get Medi-Cal straight?

You can apply for Medi-Cal at any time of the year by mail, phone, fax, or email. You can also apply online or in person. You can only apply for Covered California coverage on certain dates. To learn when you can apply, go to www.coveredca.comor call1-800-300-1506 (TTY 1-888-889-4500).

How far back does Medi-Cal pay?

How long before applying for Medi-Cal can a person transfer assets? The Medi-Cal "Look-Back" period in California is 30 months.

How much is Medi-Cal per month California?

For many individuals who enroll in Medi-Cal, there is no premium, no co-payment, and no out of pocket cost. Effective July 1, 2022, all monthly premiums were reduced to $0.00.​ In general, individuals in Medi-Cal will get the same health benefits available through Covered California at a lower cost.

Medi-Cal Eligibility Updates for 2023

36 related questions found

How much do you need to qualify for Medi-Cal in California?

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.

Is Medi-Cal full coverage?

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage for some people who live in California. Full scope Medi-​Cal covers more than just care when you have an emergency. It provides medical, dental, mental health, and vision (eye) care. It also covers alcohol and drug use treatment, drugs your doctor orders, and more.

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.

Do you have to pay back Medi-Cal if you get a job?

If you get Medi-Cal coverage and then get a job, you have a couple of options for keeping your Medi-Cal benefits. If you got Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits before you got your job, Social Security's 1619(b) program lets you earn up to $56,758 annually and still keep Medi-Cal coverage at no cost.

Can you be denied Medi-Cal?

If you don't apply for or keep no-cost health coverage or state-paid coverage, your Medi-Cal benefits and eligibility will be denied or stopped. 11. If you do not give necessary information or if you give information that you know is false, your Medi-Cal benefits may be denied or stopped.

Can you apply for Medi-Cal at any time?

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

What determines Medi-Cal eligibility?

Medicaid income eligibility in California is based on household size. To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home.

How long does Medi-Cal authorization take?

DHCS, in partnership with Magellan, will accept and process PA requests and provide a response to the submitting Medi-Cal provider within 24 hours of receiving a PA request, pursuant to applicable state law (W&I Code Section 14133.37).

Why did I get denied Medi-Cal?

Reasons for Medicaid / Medi-Cal Denial

Most commonly, an applicant is denied due to having income and / or assets over Medicaid's limit(s). See state-by-state eligibility criteria here. Another common denial factor is actually an approval, but with a Penalty Period due to violating Medicaid's Look-Back Rule.

Do you pay monthly for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal monthly premium amounts have been reduced to $0.00 effective July 1, 2022. Monthly billing and collection of premiums for the Optional Targeted Low Income Children's Program (OTLICP), formally known as Medi-Cal for Families program, will no longer be required.

How long is Medi-Cal good for?

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. Want to get started with Covered California?

What age does Medi-Cal stop?

All California residents under the age of 26 who meet the eligibility requirements can qualify to receive Medi-Cal, regardless of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.

What is Medi-Cal 60 days?

Covered California can help get you enrolled. You must act fast as you only have 60 days from the date of losing Medi-Cal eligibility to enroll in Covered California through the special enrollment period. This 60 day window allows you to enroll in a plan outside of open enrollment, which occurs at the end of each year.

Does Medi-Cal look at your savings account?

Medi-Cal limits seniors and people with disabilities to assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples — a restriction that has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, a second car, and other resources.

Does Medi-Cal cover surgery?

medications. Inpatient hospital services • Anesthesiologist services • Surgical services (bariatric, reconstructive surgery, etc.) Organ & tissue transplantation • Outpatient laboratory and X-ray services o Various advanced imaging procedures are covered based on medical necessity.

What is Medi-Cal $2000 limit?

The most significant change is the increase in the California Medi-Cal asset limit, which increased from $2,000 to $130,000 for single recipients who are disabled or over age 65, effective July 1, 2022. Additional increased limits will apply to families and to couples who need long-term care services for one spouse.

Who pays for Medi-Cal in California?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes.

What other benefits can I get with Medi-Cal?

​​​​What are the Medi-Cal Benefits?
  • Outpatient (Ambulatory) services.
  • Emergency services.
  • Hospitalization.
  • Maternity and Newborn care.
  • Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services​
  • Prescription Drugs.
  • Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services) and devices.

What is the new name for Medi-Cal?

On January 1, 2023, Cal MediConnect plans transitioned to Medicare Medi-Cal plans (MMPs or Medi-Medi plans) provided by the same companies that provided Cal MediConnect plans.