Is Medi-Cal and Covered California the same thing?

Asked by: Leatha Eichmann IV  |  Last update: August 17, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (73 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.

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.

What is the minimum income to qualify for Covered California?

According to Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than $47,520 per year or if a family of four earns wages less than $97,200 per year, then they qualify for government assistance based on their income.

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.

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.

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

21 related questions found

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 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 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.

How is income determined for Medi-Cal?

You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($20,120 for an individual; $41,400 for a family of four). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($79,800 per year for a family of four).

Do I have to reapply for Medi-Cal every year?

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?

Is Covered California available to everyone?

Any Californian can get health insurance through Covered California if he or she is a state resident and cannot get affordable health insurance through a job. Applicants may qualify for a free or low-cost health plan, or for financial help that can lower the cost of premiums and co-pays.

Who can qualify for 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 if I can't afford Covered California?

If you or anyone in your tax household has offers of health coverage from a job or through Covered California that you cannot afford, you can apply for an affordability hardship exemption.

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).

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 is full 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.

How much can you make and stay on Medi-Cal?

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.

Does Social Security income count for Medi-Cal?

Unearned Income

This type of income relates to interest on savings and retirement accounts, pensions, annuities, veteran's benefits, etc. Social Security counts as unearned income as well.

Does Medi-Cal cover copays?

Medi- Cal may pay for any co-pays or deductibles you accrue under your private health insurance coverage, Medicare Part A (in-patient hospital), Medicare Part B (out-patient services, including specialty care and lab tests), Veterans Insurance, Tricare or any other public or private insurance plan that allows for such ...

Does Medi-Cal pay Medi-Cal bills?

If you meet the requirements of the program, Medi-Cal will help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and other medical services.

Does Medi-Cal cover hospital stay?

​​Medi-Cal currently provides a core set of health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, immunization, pregnancy-related services and nursing home care.

What does Covered California include?

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

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.