Is Medi-Cal free?

Asked by: Austyn Glover II  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

What is Medi-Cal?​ Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans.

What does Medi-Cal cover free?

Medi-Cal covers most medically necessary care. This includes doctor and dentist appointments, prescription drugs, vision care, family planning, mental health care, and drug or alcohol treatment. Medi-Cal also covers transportation to these services.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal members. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these members on or after their 55th birthday and who own assets at the time of death. If a deceased member owns nothing when they die, nothing will be owed.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal in California?

First, as of July 1, 2022, the state will raise the asset limit in the Medi-Cal programs serving older adults and people with disabilities to $130,000 for an individual and $65,000 for each additional family member.

What's the difference between Covered California and Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health coverage to eligible Californian residents with limited income. Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where Californians can shop for health plans and access financial assistance if they qualify for it.

How do I qualify for Medi-Cal in California?

38 related questions found

How much is Medi-Cal per month?

How much are the premiums? The premiums for Medi-Cal for Families are $13 for each child and no more than $39 per family per month. What can I do if I disagree with paying a monthly premium? Monthly premiums must be paid for the child(ren) to remain eligible for this Medi-Cal program.

Does Medi-Cal check your bank account?

Yes. Asset tests are a part of Medicaid eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal is the State of California's Medicaid program. Bank accounts are one of the easier tests for the government to make.

How much money can you have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

You may have up to $2,000 in assets as an individual or $3,000 in assets as a couple. Some of your personal assets are not considered when determining whether you qualify for Medi-Cal coverage.

How much can I make and still get Medi-Cal?

To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home. The income limits based on household size are: One person: $17,609. Two people: $23,792.

What is Medi Medi plan?

Medi-cal (Medical) is the California version of medicaid which is generally based on income and assets. It's possible for people to be eligible for both at the same time. Hence the term medi medi! The two plans will generally coordinate benefits or out of pocket costs together for people who are eligible.

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.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicaid?

Actually, the good news is – there is no difference between the two. Medi-Cal health insurance is merely California's Medicaid program, which is paid for with federal and state tax revenues.

What is the Medi-Cal income limit for 2022?

In 2022, the MMMNA in CA is $3,435 / month. If a non-applicant spouse has monthly income under this amount, income can be transferred from the applicant spouse to the non-applicant spouse to bring their monthly income up to this level.

Can you have Covered California and Medi-Cal at the same time?

These two-program families are called “mixed-program families.” Your family can apply for both through Covered California application. Individuals in a mixed-program family will face different, but typically lower, costs due to their eligibility for both Covered California and Medi-Cal.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicare?

Medicare provides health coverage to individuals 65 and older or those with a severe disability regardless of income, whereas Medi-Cal (California's state-run and funded Medicaid program) provides health coverage to those families with very low income, as well as pregnant women and the blind, among others.

Who is not eligible for Covered California?

Employees who are not eligible for coverage include those employees who work less than 20 hours per week, receive a Form 1099 or are seasonal or temporary employees.

Does Medi-Cal include 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 1-800-322-6384.

Is Medi-Cal based on gross or net income?

The Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal method uses Federal tax rules to decide if you qualify based on how you file your taxes and your countable income.

How do I qualify for Medi-Cal in California?

You can also get Medi-Cal if you are:
  1. 65 or older.
  2. Blind.
  3. Disabled.
  4. Under 21.
  5. Pregnant.
  6. In a skilled nursing or intermediate care home.
  7. On refugee status for a limited time, depending how long you have been in the United States.
  8. A parent or caretaker relative of an age eligible child.

Can Medi-Cal take your house?

I. Can the State Take My Home If I Go on Medi-Cal? The State of California does not take away anyone's home per se. ... For example, your home may be an exempt asset while you are alive, and not counted for Medi-Cal eligibility purposes.

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

Many of these people fear they will have to repay Medi-Cal for the months they were really ineligible for the no cost health insurance. Do you have to repay Medi-Cal after your income increases and you were no longer eligible? The short answer is usually not.

How many months of bank statements do I need for Medi-Cal?

Because of this look back period, the agency that governs the state's Medicaid program will ask for financial statements (checking, savings, IRA, etc.) for 60-months immediately preceeding to one's application date. (Again, 30-months in California).

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2021?

Adults are eligible for Medi-Cal if their monthly income is 138 percent or less of the FPL. For dependents under the age of 19, a household income of 266 percent or less makes them eligible for Medi-Cal. A single adult can earn up to $17,775 in 2021 and still qualify for Medi-Cal.

What kind of insurance is Medi-Cal?

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.

How good is Medi-Cal?

Is the coverage good? The health plans offered by Covered California and Medi-Cal include the same full set of benefits, but Medi-Cal is usually at lower or no cost. ... In a recent survey of Medi-Cal members, 90% of the members who answered rated Medi-Cal as a good or very good program.