Is Medi-Cal an insurance plan?

Asked by: Giuseppe Stoltenberg  |  Last update: November 27, 2023
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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 considered insurance?

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.

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 ...

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.

Do I have to pick a Medi-Cal plan?

Most people who get Medi-Cal have to join a plan, but some do not. If you think you don't have to join a plan, you can ask for an exemption (release) from joining. Use one of the exemption forms on the Download forms page. Or call Health Care Options (HCO) Medi-Cal Managed Care at 1-800-430-4263 (TTY 1-800-430-7077).

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

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What is regular Medi-Cal?

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 Blue Cross the same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal Managed Care (Medi-Cal)

are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Blue Cross of California is contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan to provide Medi-Cal Managed Care services in Los Angeles County.

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'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.

What type of insurance is a Medi Medi?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay medical costs if you have limited income and resources and meet other requirements. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and are called “dual eligible.” This is also referred to as “Medi-Medi.”

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 same as Medicare?

No. Medicare and Medi-Cal are two separate programs for health care coverage. Medicare is available nationally to cover seniors and people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, covering low-income individuals and families in California.

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 Covered California part of Medi-Cal?

Covered California will offer choices of private health insurance plans and Medi-Cal plans. You can choose the level of coverage that best meets your health needs and budget.

What is full coverage Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health care to some people who live in California. Full. scope Medi-Cal covers more than just emergency health care. It provides medical, dental, mental health, family planning and vision (eye) care.

What kind of insurance is Covered California?

Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It's the only place where you can get financial help when you buy health insurance from well-known companies.

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…

Can I go to any hospital with Medi-Cal insurance?

Emergency Rooms: As stated above, if you have an emergency and you cannot find a doctor right away, you can go to the emergency room at any hospital. If you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.

Is Blue California Medicaid?

Coverage that is all about you. At Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, we know that health care is more than a doctor's visit. That's why we provide extra care and support. We offer Medi-Cal in Los Angeles and San Diego counties and have many doctors to choose from.

Is Medi-Cal Part B?

If you qualify for full Medi-Cal (Medi-Cal without a share of cost (SOC)), Medi-Cal will also cover your Medicare Part A and B deductibles and copayments, and pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

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 are the benefits of having 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).

Why am I eligible for Medi-Cal?

If your family has income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (266% of FPL if you're a child), you may be eligible for Income-Based Medi-Cal. If you qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are automatically eligible for SSI-Linked Medi-Cal.

What does Medi-Cal fee for service mean?

A significant proportion of total Medi-Cal expenditures is generated through the Fee-for-Service (FFS) health care delivery system. FFS providers render services and then submit claims for payment that are adjudicated, processed, and paid (or denied) by the Medi-Cal program's fiscal intermediary.