Is Medi-Cal a qualified health plan?

Asked by: Iva Bogisich  |  Last update: January 26, 2024
Score: 4.7/5 (41 votes)

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

Is Medi-Cal qualified health insurance?

What is Medi-Cal?​​ Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans. Medi-Cal eligibility to include low-income adults.

What type of insurance is Medi-Cal considered?

Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, is a public insurance health care program which provides health care services for low-income individuals and families who meet defined eligibility requirements.

Is Medi-Cal a state plan?

​California's Medicaid State Plan

The Medicaid State Plan is based on the requirements set forth in Title XIX of the Social Security Act and is a comprehensive written document created by the State of California that describes the nature and scope of its Medicaid (Medi-Cal) program.

What's the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is what we call the joint Federal-State Medicaid program in California (just like Covered California is what we call Obamacare in California). Medi-Cal and Medicaid are essentially the same thing.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

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Is Medi-Cal a type of Medicaid?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

What type of insurance is Medi-Cal HMO or PPO?

Almost all Medi-Cal plans are “managed care plans” which means they function similar to an HMO. Medi-Cal Plans can be found in the Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan Directory. A managed care plan means you'll have a primary care physician, and they're the one person you'll see if you need medical care.

Is Medi-Cal state or federal?

Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program for low-income Californians. Medi-Cal—California's Medicaid program—is a state-federal program that offers free or low-cost health coverage to Californians with low family incomes.

How do I know what my Medi-Cal plan is?

Contact your local county social services office to learn about your Medi-Cal status and eligibility. The California Department of Health Care Services has a full directory of each county's agency.

Can you bill a Medi-Cal patient if you are not a participating provider?

To bill Medi-Cal, a provider must complete the appropriate enrollment forms. For questions about which forms to use, contact the Out-of-State Provider Unit at (916) 636-1960. If a provider chooses not to enroll, they may bill the patient.

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.

What is another name for Medi-Cal?

The California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal or MediCal) is the California implementation of the federal Medicaid program serving low-income individuals, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, pregnant women, and childless adults with incomes below 138% of federal ...

Does Blue Shield have a Medi-Cal plan?

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan currently serves Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. In Los Angeles County, we are contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan. In San Diego County, we are contracted with the Department of Health Care Services.

Is Medi-Cal a means tested benefit?

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.

What are full benefits under Medi-Cal?

​​​​What are the Medi-Cal Benefits? ​​Medi-Cal currently provides a core set of health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, immunization, pregnancy-related services and nursing home care. The Affordable Care Act ensures all Medi-Cal health plans offer what are known as Essential Health Benefits (EHB).

Can you go to Kaiser with Medi-Cal?

All of our available doctors accept Kaiser Permanente members with Medi-Cal coverage. Get care from a doctor or specialist – including appointments, exams, and treatment. Your child can get regular check-ups – including shots and vaccines. Get prescriptions that fit within our list of covered drugs.

Does Medi-Cal cover emergency room visits?

All hospitals accept Medi-Cal yet are unable to balance bill the patient for any expense greater than their Medi-Cal reimbursement. This means no more emergency room bills for the Medi-Cal patient, and no restrictions on the number of times the patient can present for care.

Does California Medi-Cal cover dental implants?

Medi – Cal generally does not cover implants.

However, check out Dental for Everyone they have plans that will cover implants! Remember though, there is no free lunch. Insurance Companies have to take in more money in premiums than the pay in claims…

Do I claim Medi-Cal on my taxes?

Yes, DHCS is responsible for reporting any month(s) of Medi-Cal coverage that meets the requirement for MEC to the IRS and Franchise Tax Board (FTB). DHCS must also provide a Form 1095-B to all people whose coverage was reported to the IRS and FTB. The form you will get will show which months you had MEC.

Do I have to pay Medi-Cal back?

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 who own assets at the time of death. If a deceased beneficiary owns nothing when they die, nothing will be owed.

What income does Medi-Cal use?

Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts. Learn more about what types of income affect income-based Medi-Cal eligibility.

Is HMO the same as Medi-Cal?

Health insurance, Health Plans (HMOs), and public programs like Medicare and Medi-Cal are all different. They each follow their own set of rules. Different government agencies regulate each one. We have put together this list of healthcare coverage options, descriptions, and the agency that regulates each one.

Is Medi-Cal a managed care plan?

Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (Low or No Income)

These plans have networks of providers, including doctors, pharmacies, clinics, labs, and hospitals. Medi-Cal covers the basic benefits that all health plans cover. Medi-Cal also covers prescription drugs, vision care, and hearing care.

How do I know if I have Medi-Cal California?

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.