Is Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal dental the same?
Asked by: Elta Schaefer | Last update: October 29, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (3 votes)
Is Medi-Cal Dental different from Medi-Cal?
The Medi-Cal Program currently offers dental services as one of the program's many benefits. Under the guidance of the California Department of Health Care Services, Medi-Cal Dental aims to provide Medi-Cal members with access to high-quality dental care.
What are the two types of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is health coverage for low-income children and adults. There are two kinds of Medi-Cal, the expanded Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) coverage and classic coverage. Some Medi-Cal programs have a Share of Cost, but most do not.
What is Medi-Cal called now?
California offers two ways to get health coverage. They are “Medi-Cal” and “Covered California.” Both programs use the same application. What Is Medi-Cal? Medi-Cal is California's version of the Federal Medicaid program.
What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Access Program?
MCAP is for middle-income families who do not have health insurance and whose income is too high for no-cost Medi-Cal. MCAP is also available to individuals who have other health insurance plans that doesn't cover maternity services or with a maternity-only deductible or copayment greater than $500.
Medi-Cal Has Dental Covered
How do I know what kind of Medi-Cal I have?
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.
What is the disadvantage of Medi-Cal?
The perception that Medi-Cal offered poorer coverage or less respectful treatment than other types of insurance. Concerns among noncitizen respondents that applying for Medi-Cal might affect their immigration status.
Does Medi-Cal cover dental implants?
Currently, Medi-Cal covers implants only when “exceptional medical conditions are documented,” according to the state's 2024 benefits guide.
Does Covered California include dental?
Covered California offers dental coverage for adults and children. When you select a health plan, you have the option of adding a dental plan. In addition, all health insurance plans through Covered California offer embedded pediatric dental coverage.
What disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?
To qualify, you must: Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo.
What does Medi-Cal not cover?
Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.
What is the best Medi-Cal health plan in California?
Kaiser Permanente is also the only Medicare health plan in California to receive a 5-star rating, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' 2023 Medicare Star Ratings.
How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?
- Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
- Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
- Private dentists.
Are Medi-Cal and dental separate?
The Dental and Medical Fields Are Separated
The medical and dental fields are separate professions, though this hasn't always been the case. Physicians founded the first dental school in the United States in the 1840s.
Does Medi-Cal cover dental deep cleaning?
The changes took effect January 1, 2018. The Medi-Cal Dental enhancements are substantial. Patients are now covered for procedures like scaling & root planing (SRPs or “deep cleaning”), treatment vital to the management and prevention of gum disease in high risk patients.
How to get free dental care in California?
Medi-Cal Dental is the program that provides free or low-cost dental services to eligible children and adults. The Medi‑Cal Dental Program provides free or low‑cost dental services to children and adults who receive Medi‑Cal, California's Medicaid program. To find a Medi-Cal dentist, click here.
What is the best insurance to have for dental?
Investopedia found Delta Dental to be the best dental insurance company for people looking for standalone plans because of its great coverage and customer satisfaction. However, Physicians Mutual or Spirit may be a better fit if low costs are your main concern.
Does California Medicaid pay for dental?
Medi-Cal offers comprehensive preventative and restorative dental benefits to both children and adults. You can find a Medi-Cal dentist on the Medi-Cal Dental Provider Referral List, or by calling (800) 322-6384.
How to get free dentures?
- Local Health Departments. ...
- Community Health Centers. ...
- Dental Schools. ...
- Clinical Trials. ...
- Dental Lifeline Network. ...
- Medicare. ...
- PACE (Program Of All-Inclusive Care For The Elderly) ...
- Medicaid Coverage.
What is the Smile Act in California?
This bill, The Smile Act, for purposes of the above-described Medi-Cal coverage for laboratory-processed crowns, would remove the condition that the tooth be posterior and would apply the coverage to persons 13 years of age or older.
How do you qualify for dental implants?
General Health Requirements
Good overall health is essential for dental implants. Certain medical conditions may affect eligibility. Diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases can complicate healing. Patients with these conditions should consult their doctors.
Why don t doctors accept Medi-Cal?
Why doctors say they don't see Medi-Cal patients. While low reimbursement rates are the most common reason California doctors say they limit the number of Medi-Cal patients they see, the program's administrative burden is also daunting. Source: California Health Care Foundation.
How much can you have in your bank account for Medi-Cal?
asset information? eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10.
Can I have both Medi-Cal and Medicare?
Can a person have both Medicare and Medi-Cal? Yes. Sometimes that's callled “Medi-Medi”, or “dual eligible.” Medicare is billed first for services and Medi-Cal is billed last. Medical providers are famliar with “Medi-Medis."“