What happens if you don't renew Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Lilliana Johnston  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

Will my Medi-Cal renew automatically?

Medi-Cal members must renew their coverage each year to keep their health care benefits. For most members, coverage is renewed automatically. Sometimes the county will send you a renewal form that you must review and return, along with any additional required information. Medi-Cal renewals can be completed online.

Do you have to pay back Medi-Cal in California?

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 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.

Does Medi-Cal check bank accounts?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

Do I Have To Repay California Medi-Cal?

22 related questions found

What are the new rules for Medi-Cal 2024?

Basic Information. 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.

Can Medicaid check your bank account without your permission?

They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time. While agencies can look at account balances, they can't view your personal bank statements. Other information used to determine Medicaid eligibility often comes from public records.

How much can you make before you lose 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. You can qualify for Medi-Cal even if you have assets.

What happens if you lie to Medi-Cal?

And the felony penalties for this form of Medi-Cal fraud include: Felony probation; Two (2), three (3) or five (5) years in county jail; and/or. A fine of up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or double the amount of the fraud, whichever is greater.

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.

What happens if you don't report changes to Medi-Cal within 10 days?

If you do not report changes to your personal information right away, and then receive Medi-Cal benefits that you do not qualify for, you may have to repay DHCS.

What happens if you can't pay medical bills in California?

Once medical bills enter collections, they are often reported to consumer credit reporting companies. Medical debt collections on a credit report can impact your ability to buy or rent a home, raise the price you pay for a car or insurance, and make it more difficult to find a job.

Can Medi-Cal take my house?

A primary home is an exempt asset. This means that Sarah's Mom would not be disqualified for Medi-Cal's nursing home benefits simply because she owns a home. She can keep the property while she is on Medi-Cal.

What happens if you don't renew your Medi-Cal?

Your Medi-Cal coverage will end if you don't turn in your renewal form or you are missing proof of things like income that the county asked you to send. Your local Medi-Cal office will mail you a letter (Notice of Action) to let you know if you didn't turn in your renewal form or are missing information.

How do I check if my Medi-Cal is active?

Check your Medi-Cal Benefit Status
  1. By Smart Phone or Tablet. Visit BenefitsCal to:
  2. By Desktop Computer. To check your benefits with a desktop computer visit BenefitsCal.com.
  3. By Phone. To check the status of your benefits, visit BenefitsCal.com or call 888-472-4463.
  4. Request a replacement Benefit Issuance Card (BIC)

What is the time limit for Medi-Cal?

Original (or initial) Medi-Cal claims must be received by the FI within six months following the month in which services were rendered. This requirement is referred to as the six-month billing limit.

How much money can you have in the bank on Medi-Cal?

eligibility for 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.

Can I quit Medi-Cal?

Coverage cancellation: If you want to cancel your Medi-Cal plan, you can request this cancellation through Covered California.

What happens if you get caught lying to Medicaid?

It is illegal to submit claims for payment to Medicare or Medicaid that you know or should know are false or fraudulent. Filing false claims may result in fines of up to three times the programs' loss plus $11,000 per claim filed.

Does Medi-Cal check your income?

Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.

Who is eligible for Medi-Cal in 2024?

Californians under 26 years of age, or over 50 years of age, are already eligible for full Medi-Cal. You do not need to fill out a new application for full Medi-Cal. You will automatically be enrolled into full Medi-Cal on January 1, 2024.

Does Medicaid check your income every year?

Yes, income and assets have to be verified again for Medicaid Redetermination. After initial acceptance into the Medicaid program, redetermination is generally every 12 months. The redetermination process is meant to ensure the senior Medicaid beneficiary still meets the eligibility criteria, such as income and assets.

Can the government see what's in your bank account?

The federal government has no business monitoring small cash deposits and how Americans pay their bills and has no right to snoop around in private checking accounts without a warrant.