Is Medi-Cal completely free?
Asked by: Clarissa Wolff | Last update: October 8, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (51 votes)
Is Medi-Cal really free?
Medi-Cal is California's version of the Medicaid health care program. Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health care coverage to California residents with limited income who meet eligibility criteria, including income guidelines, regardless of their immigration status.
Do I have to pay if I have Medi-Cal?
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 public charge?
No. The use of Medi-Cal and other important health, nutrition and housing benefits does not count as a public charge and will not impact your immigration case.
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.
Applying for MediCal: A Step by Step Guide
Why does no one accept Medi-Cal?
The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.
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 is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?
Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law in California will allow adults ages 26 through 49 to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.
Who is exempt from public charges?
² Certain aliens are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility, including but not limited to: Asylees and refugees. Afghan and Iraqi interpreters or Afghan or Iraqi nationals employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government. Cuban and Haitian entrants.
Do taxpayers pay for Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal Is a Sizable Portion of the State Budget.
The enacted 2024‑25 budget provides $161 billion for Medi-Cal, roughly half of which is funded by the federal government and the remaining covered by state and local sources.
Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?
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 those who owned assets at the time of death.
How much money can you have in the bank if you have 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.
Is Covered California free?
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.
How much does Medi-Cal cost per month?
Learn more. How much does Medi-Cal cost? Effective July 1, 2022, all monthly premiums were reduced to $0. In general, individuals in Medi-Cal will get the same health benefits available through Covered California at a lower or no cost.
Who pays for Medi-Cal 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.
Does Medi-Cal check your income?
Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.
What is the new public charge rule?
ON DECEMBER 23, 2022, A NEW RULE, PUBLIC CHARGE OF INADMISSABILITY WILL GO INTO EFFECT. Most immigrants are not subject to public charge; however, Afghan Humanitarian Parolees, Afghan SI/SQ Parolees, and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees are not currently explicitly exempted.
Is CalFresh public charge?
Will I be considered a public charge if I use CalFresh? No. The United States Citizen and Immigration Service does not consider people using CalFresh to be public charges. Using food programs like CalFresh, WIC, and school meals will not affect your immigration status.
Will getting Medi-Cal hurt my sponsor?
Which public benefits will a sponsor need to repay? The only federal benefits a sponsor may be liable to repay are: • Supplemental Security Income (SSI), • CalFresh, • CalWORKs, and • Medi-Cal (nonemergency).
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.
Can I own a house and get Medi-Cal in California?
First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.
Can I have money in the bank and still get Medi-Cal?
➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.
Why do some doctors not 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.
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.