Is Medi-Cal automatically renewed?

Asked by: Loyal Cummings DDS  |  Last update: September 16, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (35 votes)

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), your Medi-Cal was renewed automatically – even if you had changes in your household. But now Medi-Cal members like you must again renew coverage each year to keep your health care benefits.

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 happens if you don't renew Medi-Cal?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

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

How Do I Check My Medicaid Status? 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.

Will I lose my Medi-Cal if I get a job?

If you get Medi-Cal coverage and then get a job, you have a couple of options for keeping your Medi-Cal benefits. If you got Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits before you got your job, Social Security's 1619(b) program lets you earn up to $56,758 annually and still keep Medi-Cal coverage at no cost.

The Dreaded 2023 Medi-Cal Renewal

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How much can I make and still have 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.

Do you have to repay Medi-Cal after your income increases?

You will not have to repay the premium assistance you receive if your income is verified as eligible at one point and later you become Medi-Cal eligible, as long as you report the income change within 30 days.

What age does Medi-Cal stop?

All California residents under the age of 26 who meet the eligibility requirements can qualify to receive Medi-Cal, regardless of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.

Do I have to pay with Medi-Cal?

​How much does Medi-Cal cost?​​​​ For many individuals who enroll in Medi-Cal, there is no premium, no co-payment, and no out of pocket cost.

What is California Medi-Cal changing to 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.

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.

What is the look back period for Medi-Cal in California?

The Medi-Cal "Look-Back" period in California is 30 months. "Transfer" means an outright gift or a "sale" made at less than "fair market value." If a disqualifying transfer of property is made, Medi-Cal will calculate the period of ineligibility for nursing facility level of care.

How often does Medi-Cal audit?

In accordance with California Welfare and Institutions Code ​§14456, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) conducts medical audits of Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) on an annual basis.

How do I submit my Medi-Cal redetermination online?

Beneficiaries can submit information online by logging in or creating an online account at benefitscal.com. To submit information by phone, beneficiaries can call DPSS at 1-866-613-3777 Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). How can Medi-Cal beneficiaries receive alerts on their Medi-Cal case?

Can I keep my doctor on Medi-Cal?

If your doctor agrees to keep seeing you as a patient and will work with your new Medi-Cal managed care plan, you may be able to continue seeing your doctor for up to 12 months. Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions for more detailed information about this or contact your Medi-Cal managed care health plan.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

Phase I, to be implemented July 1, 2022, will increase the asset limit to $130,000 per individual, and $65,000 for each additional household member. Phase II, to be implemented no sooner than January 1, 2024, will eliminate the asset test entirely.

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.

What happens to my Medi-Cal when I turn 65?

If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you automatically qualify for full Medi-Cal coverage. To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 or older, blind or disabled.

What is changing in Medi-Cal in 2024?

Pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, beginning January 1, 2024, the second phase of this new law in California will eliminate the asset limit for all Non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs. Additional information about this change will be posted to this website at a future date.

What are the benefits of Medi-Cal for seniors?

Medi- Cal provides many of the state's poorest seniors with vital health insurance coverage, including wrap- around coverage for medical services Medicare does not cover. It also provides a safety net for seniors re- quiring long-term care who have exhausted their own financial resources.

How do I report changes in income with Medi-Cal?

For Medi-Cal, you must report it within 10 days. To report changes, call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 or sign in to your online account. You can also find a Licensed Insurance Agent, Certified Enrollment Counselor or county eligibility worker who can provide free assistance in your area.

How does Medi-Cal confirm income?

Proof of Income. Income can be verified by providing various types of documents such as the acceptable list below. One of the most common proofs is a pay stub. If you submit a pay stub, make sure that it is current and within the last 45 days; otherwise, Covered California may not accept it.