Is Covered California same as Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Brigitte Beer  |  Last update: September 7, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)

What is the difference in coverage between Medi-Cal and Covered California?​​​​ Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family.

Is Covered California part of Medi-Cal?

What is Covered California? Covered California is the new marketplace that makes it possible for individuals and families to get free or low- cost health insurance through Medi-Cal, or to get help paying for private health insurance. Our goal is to make it simple and affordable for Californians to get health insurance.

Can you have Medi-Cal and Covered California at the same time?

Medi-Cal and Covered California use the same application. This means that once you apply using CoveredCA.com, you'll find out which program you qualify for. Some households qualify for both.

What is another name for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's version of the Federal Medicaid program. Medi-Cal offers no-cost and low-cost health coverage to eligible people who live in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees the Medi-Cal program. Your local county office manages most Medi-Cal cases for DHCS.

Is Covered California Medicaid or Medicare?

Covered California and Medi-Cal aren't Medicare. But it's possible to qualify for Medicare and Medi-Cal at the same time. Medicare coverage covers eligible people aged 65 and over, and those eligible due to disability. It comes with out-of-pocket costs.

What are the differences between Covered California, health insurance companies, and Medi-Cal?

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Can I use Covered CA instead of Medicare?

If you're eligible for or enrolled in premium-free Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), you can't apply for new coverage through Covered California. However, if you must pay for Medicare Part A, you may sign up for coverage through Covered California instead of Medicare Part A.

Who is covered by Covered California?

California residents who don't have an offer of affordable coverage can get a health plan through Covered California. In addition, most immigrants qualify for health coverage, including the following groups: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Lawful temporary residents.

What are the different types of Medi-Cal?

​​​Find Out More About Medi-Cal Programs​​​
  • Medi-Cal Dental Program. Dental services are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program.
  • Fair Hearing. ...
  • Health Insurance Premium Payments. ...
  • Medi-Cal. ...
  • Medi-Cal Eligibility. ...
  • Medi-Cal Estate Recovery. ...
  • Medi-Cal Managed Care.

What is considered Medi-Cal?

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 company is Medi-Cal under?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program that provides medical services to low-income people at little or no cost. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

How do I change from 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 are income limits for Covered California?

The limits are based on both household income and household size. In 2022, an individual in a one-person household is eligible for some degree of Covered California subsidies if they earn up to $51,520. Meanwhile, that limit rises to $106,000 for a household size of 4.

How much can you make to stay on 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.

What does Covered California include?

Hospitalization. Maternity and newborn care. Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment. Prescription drugs.

How do I know if I have Medi-Cal?

You can visit your local county human services office. You can use your information to confirm your Medi-Cal eligibility and get a temporary identification card.

Can I get Covered California if I have a job?

You may have coverage as a current worker or retiree. You can shop for health coverage through Covered California, but you won't qualify for financial help in the form of premium tax credits if your employer offers a health plan that meets minimum value standards and is considered affordable.

What is California Medi-Cal changing to in 2023?

Starting January 2023, Medi-Cal health coverage for most remaining dually eligible beneficiaries changed from Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal to Medi-Cal Managed Care.

Is Medi-Cal only for low income?

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.

Does Medi-Cal cover more than Medicare?

Medi-Cal also provides additional benefits beyond what's usually included with Medicare Parts A and B, covering prescription drugs, dental, vision care, extended stays in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care in nursing homes.

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.

How do I get regular Medi-Cal?

​Apply for Medi-Cal
  1. Apply By Mail. Medi-Cal Single Streamlined Application. Apply for Medi-Cal with a Single Streamlined Application, provided in English and other languages. ...
  2. Apply In Person. County Social Services Office. ...
  3. Apply Online​​​ Covered California Website.

When am I eligible for Covered California?

Low-Income Families: Those with an annual household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level, who are not eligible for Medi-Cal, can enroll in coverage through Covered California any time of year.

What happens if you don't qualify for Covered California?

If you are uninsured and are not eligible for Medi-Cal or a plan through Covered California, you may qualify for limited health services offered by your county. These programs are not insurance plans and do not provide full coverage.

Does Covered CA verify income?

How will Covered California check my income? Covered California will check the income you reported on your application and compare it to what the IRS has on file for you.