Is Medi-Cal free in California?

Asked by: Talon Crooks  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (28 votes)

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.

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.

Who qualifies for free 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.

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.

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.

How do I qualify for Medi-Cal in California?

44 related questions found

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.

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.

Is Medi-Cal Covered California?

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.

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 does Medi-Cal pay in California?

In fiscal year 2019–20, Medi-Cal brought in more than $65 billion in federal funds and accounted for nearly 16% of all state general fund spending. People with disabilities composed 9% of Medi-Cal enrollees, but accounted for 31% of spending.

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.

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 money can I make and keep Medi-Cal?

The $54,082 income limit is called a threshold amount. This is what Social Security calculates as the value of your SSI and Medi-Cal benefits.

What is the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal in California?

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.

How does Medi-Cal share of cost work?

“Share of Cost” is the amount you agree to pay for health care before Medi-Cal starts to pay. ... You only need to meet your Share of Cost in the months that you get health care services. After you meet your share of cost, Medi-Cal pays for your care the rest of that month.

Does Medi-Cal cover hospitals?

Medi-Cal is a program that pays medical expenses for people with low income. ... 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 Kaiser accept Medi-Cal?

Kaiser Permanente participates in Medi-Cal in many counties. This means that, if you are a current Kaiser Permanente member and your situation changes, you may be able to keep your same doctor and continue your care with Kaiser Permanente if you qualify for Medi-Cal.

Is CalOptima the same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal — also known as Medicaid — is a public health insurance program for low-income people offered by the state. ... CalOptima provides health care coverage for Orange County residents who are eligible for full Medi-Cal.

Do I need to cancel Medi-Cal?

When you apply for medical coverage through Covered California, you're automatically evaluated for Medi-Cal. ... You don't actually have to do anything to cancel Medi-Cal, but if you want to end your coverage immediately, you can withdraw your application.

What is covered under Medi-Cal?

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.

Does Medi-Cal cover out of state?

CCR, Title 22, Chapter 3, Article 1.3, Section 51006, allows reimbursement for medically necessary emergency services that need to be provided by an out-of-state provider to California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) recipients temporarily in another state.

Do I have Medi-Cal?

You can also check on your Medi-Cal status by calling the Medi-Cal hotline at (800) 541-5555. ... Since you don't have your BIC yet, you can get information on your Medi-Cal status by entering the last four digits of your Social Security number and month and year of birth (Ex.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you are unemployed?

People who are unemployed may be able to get a health plan through Covered California that includes savings based on your household size and income. You or your family members could also qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal.

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).