Is Medi-Cal same as Medicare?

Asked by: Ellsworth Mills  |  Last update: November 12, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

No. Medicare and Medi-Cal are two separate programs for health care coverage. 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 low-income individuals and families in California.

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.

Is Medi-Cal same as Medicaid?

Medi-Cal is the same as Medicaid in California. It is a Federal and state-supported form of insurance that pays for various medical services for California residents with limited income and resources.

What is another name for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's version of the Federal Medicaid program. 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.

What type of insurance is Medi-Cal considered?

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.

Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

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What does full Medi-Cal cover?

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health care for some people who live in California. Full scope Medi-Cal covers more than just care when you have an emergency. It provides medical, dental, mental health, and vision (eye) care. It also covers alcohol and drug use treatment, drugs your doctor orders, and more.

How do I know what kind of Medi-Cal I have?

Contact your local county social services office to learn about your Medi-Cal status and eligibility. The California Department of Health Care Services has a full directory of each county's agency.

Is Blue Cross the same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal Managed Care (Medi-Cal)

are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Blue Cross of California is contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan to provide Medi-Cal Managed Care services in Los Angeles County.

What company is Medi-Cal under?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program that provides medical services to low-income people at little or no cost. It is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

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

What is the difference in coverage between Medi-Cal and Covered California?​​​​ Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family.

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.

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.

Will Medi-Cal pay for Part A of Medicare?

If you qualify for full Medi-Cal (Medi-Cal without a share of cost (SOC)), Medi-Cal will also cover your Medicare Part A and B deductibles and copayments, and pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid?

Federal Poverty Level thresholds to qualify for Medicaid

The Federal Poverty Level is determined by the size of a family for the lower 48 states and the District of Columbia. In 2023 these limits are: $14,580 for a single adult person, $30,000 for a family of four and $50,560 for a family of eight.

What does Medi-Cal Part B cover?

Part B (Medical Insurance) – covers outpatient care, services from doctors and other medical providers, durable medical equipment; many preventive services. Part C (Medicare Advantage) – plans that cover all benefits and services under Parts A and B and usually covers prescription drug benefits.

Can you go to Kaiser with Medi-Cal?

All of our available doctors accept Kaiser Permanente members with Medi-Cal coverage. Get care from a doctor or specialist – including appointments, exams, and treatment. Your child can get regular check-ups – including shots and vaccines. Get prescriptions that fit within our list of covered drugs.

What income does Medi-Cal use?

Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts. Learn more about what types of income affect income-based Medi-Cal eligibility.

Does Blue Shield have a Medi-Cal plan?

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan currently serves Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. In Los Angeles County, we are contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan. In San Diego County, we are contracted with the Department of Health Care Services.

Can I go to any hospital with Medi-Cal insurance?

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.

Is Medi-Cal government insurance?

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.

What color is Medi-Cal card?

You will soon get a Medi-Cal identification card called a Benefits Identification Card, or BIC. It is white with blue writing, and it has a picture of the seal of the State of California. It will also have your name on it.

Does California Medi-Cal cover dental implants?

Medi – Cal generally does not cover implants.

However, check out Dental for Everyone they have plans that will cover implants! Remember though, there is no free lunch. Insurance Companies have to take in more money in premiums than the pay in claims…

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.