Is urgent care free with Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Kelly Cummerata III | Last update: August 29, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (49 votes)
Does Medi-Cal, California cover urgent care?
Urgent care center services – Screenings and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses at urgent care facilities are covered by Medi-Cal. Laboratory and diagnostic services – Medi-Cal covers various laboratory tests, imaging services, and diagnostic procedures.
Will urgent care see you for free?
Unfortunately, there are no discounts available for uninsured patients visiting an urgent care. Urgent care centers typically charge a flat fee for services rendered regardless of insurance status. However, some centers may offer payment plans or reduced fees based on income level and other factors.
What does Medi-Cal cover free?
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health care to people who qualify. It can help pay for doctor visits, hospital care, immunization (vaccines), pregnancy-related services, nursing home care, and other services. This includes: Outpatient (ambulatory) services.
Do you have to pay at urgent care if you have insurance?
Key Takeaway: Most urgent care visits are covered by insurance. Urgent care is a great option for same-day treatment for non-emergency care.
What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)
Is it cheaper to go to urgent care or doctor?
Despite urgent care's reputation for being more expensive than primary care, the costs of these services are usually quite similar, especially for individuals with insurance.
Can urgent care turn you away if you owe them money?
The law requires hospitals to provide care for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The same applies to urgent care facilities owned by hospitals.
Do you pay anything with Medi-Cal?
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.
What are the cons of Medi-Cal?
Drawbacks of Medi-Cal Trusts
You don't have the same access during your life. You may actually need these resources at some point in time. In addition to this, you may never need Medi-Cal because you may never become incapacitated.
Why does no one accept Medi-Cal?
The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.
Can urgent care refuse to see you without insurance?
The urgent care can deny you if you refuse to sign. They cannot refuse to treat you if you do not have insurance or cannot pay.
When should I go to urgent care?
- A cut that needs stitches.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Ear pain.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- An eye scratch.
- Worsening of an existing condition, such as mild to moderate asthma.
How to go to Er without insurance?
Emergency rooms
Emergency room staff cannot deny care or treatment to people without insurance, but they do charge for their services. The fees of emergency rooms are higher than those of urgent care centers. It may be a good idea to research and consider what situations might warrant a visit to each place.
How much is an urgent care visit in California?
The average base cost of an urgent care visit in the state of California ranges from $90 to $300. Depending on the reason for your visit, other factors such as stitches, casts, prescriptions, and lab tests can increase the overall cost of your urgent care bill.
Will I lose my Medi-Cal if I get married?
If your new spouse is employed, their income will factor into whether you are still eligible. It is likely that you will no longer qualify for Medi-Cal coverage after marriage. If your spouse's company offers health insurance, they can add you to their policy. You will then have commercial health insurance coverage.
How much is an ER visit with Medi-Cal?
Emergency hospital services $0 copay for Medicaid- covered services 56. Transportation (State provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation. Meets federal requirement for assurance of transportation to medically necessary services) $0 copay for Medicaid- covered services .
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.
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.
What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?
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. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.
Does Medi-Cal cover out of state urgent care?
If you want Medicaid in another state, you will need to apply in that state. Medi-Cal does not cover emergency, urgent, or any other health care services outside of the United States, except for Canada and Mexico as noted in the “How to get care” section of this online handbook.
How much money can I have in my bank account if I have Medi-Cal?
For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information. » I was not eligible in the past.
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.
What if I can't pay at urgent care?
Alternatively, you can work out a payment plan with your medical provider. If an urgent care center agrees to an alternative payment plan, you can pay what you can afford monthly in small chunks. However, it is advisable to call the urgent care center in advance to inquire about alternative payment options.
Does going to urgent care cost money?
The average cost for an urgent care visit ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the service. You'll likely pay a copay, which can be higher than that for primary care visits but far less than emergency room costs.
Can urgent care refuse to see you?
Who Can Be Turned Away? Under the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA), emergency rooms must treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. This law does not apply to urgent care facilities. Urgent care centers can legally turn you away and refer you to the emergency room instead.