Is Medi Cal the same as Obamacare?

Asked by: Hunter Lynch MD  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (43 votes)

The most important difference between Medicaid and Obamacare is that Obamacare health plans are offered by private health insurance companies while Medicaid is a government program (albeit often administered by private insurance companies that offer Medicaid managed care services).

Is Medi-Cal part of Obamacare?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medi-Cal coverage expanded in 2014. ... Adults without children, ages 19-64, are eligible for Medi-Cal. Enrollment for Medi-Cal coverage is open all year. For all Medi-Cal applicants, there are new, simplified procedures for Medi-Cal eligibility.

What is Obamacare called in California?

California Obamacare Plans. California is among the few states that chose to create its own health care marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. This marketplace is called Covered California.

What type of healthcare 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.

Is Medi-Cal the same as health insurance?

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.

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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.

What does Medi-Cal insurance cover?

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.

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.

Is Medi-Cal HMO or PPO?

Medi-Cal is health insurance for people with low incomes. Some counties have Medi-Cal Managed Care, in which the State contracts with HMO plans to provide health care services to Medi-Cal members.

What is the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

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.

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.

How much is Obamacare per month?

The cost of Obamacare can vary greatly depending on the type of plan you are looking for and what state you currently live in. On average, an Obamacare marketplace insurance plan will have a monthly premium of $328 to $482.

Do all doctors accept Medi-Cal?

Although enrollment in California's low-income health plan has surged in the last three years, fewer physicians are accepting these Medi-Cal patients, according to a new report. That means 40 percent of doctors provide 80 percent of Medi-Cal visits statewide.

Is Obamacare cheaper than Medicare?

The average Medicare Supplement Insurance plan premium in 2019 was $125.93 per month. The average Obamacare benchmark premium in 2021 is $452 per month.

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 are the two types of Medi-Cal?

This guidebook explains the two kinds of Medi-Cal: Regular Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Health Plans.

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.

What is full scope Medi-Cal?

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.

What are disadvantages of Medi-Cal?

The loss of access to the resources is the primary disadvantage. Since you may have to act in advance, you could create and fund a Medi-Cal trust and ultimately find that you never need long-term care. As a result, you would have less financial flexibility. Some people create income-only Medi-Cal trusts.

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.

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.

How long does Medi-Cal last?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. Some members may be renewed automatically, but a packet will be mailed to members annually if the county is not able to verify all your information.

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.

Who pays Medi-Cal?

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.