Is Medi-Cal a state agency?

Asked by: Melba Konopelski Sr.  |  Last update: September 10, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (24 votes)

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 Medi-Cal a government agency?

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 agency administers Medi-Cal?

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

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 is state and federally funded Medi-Cal insurance called?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. The federal government has general rules that all state Medicaid programs must follow, but each state runs its own program.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

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Can California Medi-Cal be used out of state?

A: No. Because each state has its own Medicaid eligibility requirements, you can't just transfer coverage from one state to another, nor can you use your Medicaid coverage when you're temporarily visiting another state, unless you need emergency health care.

Who funds Medi-Cal in California?

Medi‑Cal provides health care coverage to over 14 million Californians with low incomes. As a joint state‑federal program, costs are shared between the federal and state as well as local governments.

What government agencies regulate Medi-Cal treatment in California?

The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) administers and evaluates healthcare laws and regulations.

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.

How does Medi-Cal get funded?

For every dollar that the state expends on allowable Medicaid costs, the federal government matches those funds at the applicable FMAP. The state share of Medi-Cal funding is drawn from multiple sources, including the state General Fund (GF), local matching funds, provider fees, and health plan taxes.

Where does Medi-Cal get its funding?

Federal Matching Rates

For every dollar California spends on Medi-Cal, the federal government contributes 50 cents. The federal matching rate takes into account a state's resources to fund Medicaid (per capita income), but not a state's need (percent of population below poverty).

Is Medi-Cal managed Medicaid?

California was the first state to pilot managed care in Medicaid, beginning in the early 1970s, and the Medi-Cal managed care program has a unique structure that grew out of the different health care delivery and financing systems in different counties of the state.

What changes to Medi-Cal 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. Medi-Cal managed care enrollment does ​​NOT affect a beneficiary's Medicare providers or Medicare Advantage plan.

Is Medi-Cal and Medicaid the same?

Medi-Cal is the same as Medicaid in California. It is a Federal and state-supported form of insurance that pays for various medical services for California residents with limited income and resources.

What is Medi-Cal vs Medicaid?

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's the difference between Covered California and Medi-Cal?

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.

Do you have to pay back Medi-Cal in California?

Do you have to pay back California Medicaid? The Medi-Cal program is required to seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal members. The rules state that repayment only applies to the benefits received by members on or after their 55th birthday and who owned assets at the time of death.

How much money can you have 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.

How does Medi-Cal work 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.

Can a non citizen get Medi-Cal in California?

Citizenship status does not affect eligibility for Medi-Cal. It does affect the level of benefits adults are potentially eligible to. Medi-Cal eligible undocumented adults aged 26 to 49 currently get restricted/emergency only services.

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.

Does Medi-Cal expire every year?

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 changing in Medi-Cal in 2024?

Improvements to Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans in 2024

DHCS is changing how it contracts with MCPs. These changes will improve how members experience care and include: New commercial MCP contracts: On December 30, 2022, DHCS announced an agreement with five commercial MCPs to serve Medi-Cal members in 21 counties.