Is Medi-Cal same as Medi Care?
Asked by: Lisette Deckow | Last update: September 29, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)
What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicare?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over.
What is Medi-Cal called now?
California offers two ways to get health coverage. They are “Medi-Cal” and “Covered California.” Both programs use the same application. What Is Medi-Cal? Medi-Cal is California's version of the Federal Medicaid program.
Why don't doctors 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.
Can you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal?
Can a person have both Medicare and Medi-Cal? Yes. Sometimes that's callled “Medi-Medi”, or “dual eligible.” Medicare is billed first for services and Medi-Cal is billed last. Medical providers are famliar with “Medi-Medis."“
Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid and Medi-Cal?
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 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?
You may be able to receive a reimbursement if:
You received a Medi-Cal covered service on a date that you were eligible for Medi-Cal. The three periods of eligibility that are included are the following: RETRO: The 3-month period prior to the month you applied for the Medi-Cal program.
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.
Can I go to any hospital with Medi-Cal?
Emergency Rooms: As stated above, if you have an emergency and you cannot find a doctor right away, you can go to the emergency room at any hospital. If you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.
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.
Does Kaiser accept Medi-Cal?
The California Medi-Cal program provides health care coverage for some of the most vulnerable populations in the state and Kaiser Permanente participates in the Medi-Cal program to provide high quality care to enrolled beneficiaries in most counties currently served by the health plan.
How many months can you go without health insurance in California?
As a California resident, you should carry insurance throughout the year with no gaps in coverage of 90 days or more. Otherwise, you may face a tax penalty when you file your tax return. There are some exemptions to California's penalty, which we'll discuss later.
Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?
People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.
Which is the cheapest health insurance for senior citizens?
Medicare is the cheapest health insurance with the best benefits for people age 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability.
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.
What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medi Care?
Medicare and Medi-Cal are two separate health insurance programs. Medicare is available nationally to cover seniors and people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, covering those who have a low-income.
Why do some doctors not accept Medi-Cal?
Physicians are more likely to report difficulty obtaining referrals for Medi-Cal patients than for privately insured patients. The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.
Does Medi-Cal fully cover ER visits?
Restricted Medi-Cal only covers emergency services. It does not cover things like medicine and primary care.
How much is Medi-Cal per month?
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. Effective July 1, 2022, all monthly premiums were reduced to $0.00.
Do most doctors accept Medi-Cal?
Do All Doctors Have to Accept Medi-Cal? Not necessarily. Doctors can refuse to take Medi-Cal patients. Before receiving treatment, check whether the provider accepts Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service payments to avoid having to pay out of pocket.
Is Medi-Cal really free?
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for Californians who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of immigration status. Most applicants who apply and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through Medi-Cal health plans.
Does Medi-Cal cover hospital 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. Medi-Cal is California's part of a national health coverage program called Medicaid.
At what age does Medi-Cal stop?
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.
Can you have Medi-Cal and private insurance at the same time?
You can have Medi-Cal even though you have Other Health Coverage (OHC) through individual or group private health (or dental) insurance coverage. See the email we rec'd May 17th from Medi Cal to clarify some of these issues. Read the rest of the page on which plan pays first, etc. namely, the other plan.