Is Medi-Cal only for low income?

Asked by: Hilario Klocko  |  Last update: October 20, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (19 votes)

Medi-Cal, the Medicaid program in California, provides health coverage to people with low-income and asset levels who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Can anyone qualify for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal gives people with low incomes access to health services, including medical and dental care. The program is available for adults, children, pregnant women, older adults and people with disabilities. People who have certain conditions, such as tuberculosis and HIV, might also qualify for Medi-Cal.

What income qualifies me for 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.

Is Medi-Cal for poor families?

This is a public health insurance program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

Why am I eligible for Medi-Cal?

If your family has income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (266% of FPL if you're a child), you may be eligible for Income-Based Medi-Cal. If you qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are automatically eligible for SSI-Linked Medi-Cal.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

15 related questions found

Does Medi-Cal pay for everything?

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. Read more in “Covered Benefits” on page 12.

Is there a difference between Medi-Cal and Medicaid?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. Medicaid is partly funded by the federal government and partly by the state. In California, Medi-Cal provides unified health insurance benefits that cover all necessary medical expenses up to the program's limits.

What are the different types of Medi-Cal?

​​​Find Out More About Medi-Cal Programs​​​
  • Medi-Cal Dental Program. Dental services are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program.
  • Fair Hearing. ...
  • Health Insurance Premium Payments. ...
  • Medi-Cal. ...
  • Medi-Cal Eligibility. ...
  • Medi-Cal Estate Recovery. ...
  • Medi-Cal Managed Care.

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.

Can I get Covered California if I have a job?

You may have coverage as a current worker or retiree. You can shop for health coverage through Covered California, but you won't qualify for financial help in the form of premium tax credits if your employer offers a health plan that meets minimum value standards and is considered affordable.

Does Medi-Cal cover surgery?

medications. Inpatient hospital services • Anesthesiologist services • Surgical services (bariatric, reconstructive surgery, etc.) Organ & tissue transplantation • Outpatient laboratory and X-ray services o Various advanced imaging procedures are covered based on medical necessity.

Do students get Medi-Cal?

Depending on income, students may receive tax credits to help pay for a private health plan through Covered California or receive low- or no-cost coverage through Medi-Cal.

What documents are needed for Medi-Cal in California?

Documents to Confirm Eligibility
  • Social Security Number.
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship.
  • Immigration Status.
  • Income.
  • Not Incarcerated.
  • Minimum Essential Coverage.
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native.

What is another name for Medi-Cal?

The California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal or MediCal) is the California implementation of the federal Medicaid program serving low-income individuals, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, pregnant women, and childless adults with incomes below 138% of federal ...

Does Medi-Cal cover more than Medicare?

Medi-Cal also provides additional benefits beyond what's usually included with Medicare Parts A and B, covering prescription drugs, dental, vision care, extended stays in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care in nursing homes.

Can I have both Medicare and Medi-Cal?

Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal and are “dual eligible” or Medi Medi beneficiaries. When an individual has both Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare is the primary insurance and pays for most medical care.

What are the disadvantages of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid
  • Lower reimbursements and reduced revenue. Every medical practice needs to make a profit to stay in business, but medical practices that have a large Medicaid patient base tend to be less profitable. ...
  • Administrative overhead. ...
  • Extensive patient base. ...
  • Medicaid can help get new practices established.

Do you pay monthly for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal monthly premium amounts have been reduced to $0.00 effective July 1, 2022. Monthly billing and collection of premiums for the Optional Targeted Low Income Children's Program (OTLICP), formally known as Medi-Cal for Families program, will no longer be required.

Does Medi-Cal look at your savings account?

Medi-Cal limits seniors and people with disabilities to assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples — a restriction that has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, a second car, and other resources.

Does Medi-Cal pay Medi-Cal bills?

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 Social Security income count for Medi-Cal?

Unearned Income

This type of income relates to interest on savings and retirement accounts, pensions, annuities, veteran's benefits, etc. Social Security counts as unearned income as well.