What happens if you forget to report an income change to Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Kyra Heaney  |  Last update: October 7, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (38 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.

What happens if I forgot to report an income change to Medi-Cal?

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 I don't report my income change to Covered California?

Costly repayments: Your account will be in arrears if you pay a lower premium despite your income change. This means you will be liable to pay back the insurer. Legal consequences: Failing to report an income change is considered fraud and, as such, you may face criminal consequences.

Does Medicaid know when your income changes?

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.

What happens if you forget to report income to Calfresh?

If you do not report when your income is more than your household's IRT limit you may get more benefits than you should. You must repay any extra benefits you get based on income you do not report. If you do not report on purpose to try to get more benefits, this is fraud, and you may be charged with a crime.

What Happens If You Don't Report Income Changes To Medicaid? - CountyOffice.org

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What happens if you forget to report income?

Often, the IRS will recalculate your tax return by including the missing income and determining the amount of tax they think that you owe. This can include penalties and interest. If you realize that you didn't include some income on your tax return, you can file an amended return that includes the missing information.

How does CalFresh check your income?

For example, the CalFresh office might ask an employer to send a letter confirming wages. Or, the CalFresh office might call a landlord or neighbors to confirm an address. Broadly speaking, disclosures for verification are permitted and do not violate privacy protections.

How does Medi-Cal verify income?

Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.

What happens if I make too much money while on Medicaid?

If your income is too high for Medicaid, a spend down will let you use extra money on medical expenses until you qualify. Not all states have a spend down program for Medicaid eligibility. Those that do often have different income limits and rules. Not all states offer a spend down option.

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 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 happens if my income increases while on Medi-Cal?

You will not lose your Medi-Cal coverage while the continuous coverage requirement is in place if your income goes up or your household changes.

Do you have to repay Medi-Cal after your income increases?

If your income is more than what you told us on your application, you may have to repay some or all of the advanced premium tax credits that you got. There are limits to the amount you may need to repay, depending on your income and if you file taxes as “Single” or another filing status.

What happens if you make too much for Medi-Cal?

What can I do if I make too much money for Medi-Cal? You may get a private health plan through Covered California. You could also get financial assistance. If you qualify, your local Medi-Cal office will share your information.

Does Medi-Cal report to IRS?

DHCS will only report a person's coverage to the IRS and FTB if that person receives coverage from Medi-Cal. Every person in the home enrolled in Medi-Cal will get their own Form 1095-B. If you have family members enrolled in Covered California, they should receive Form 1095-A.

Why was I kicked off Medicaid?

Some are still eligible for Medicaid but may lose coverage for administrative reasons, including not having a current address on file, submitting an incomplete renewal application, not applying for a renewal, or submitting a late application.

Will I lose Medicaid if I make more money?

No. Unlike employer-sponsored plans, Medicaid is not tied to your job. You'll still have it even if you lose your job because of COVID-19 or for any other reason. If you find a job, your new financial situation will determine whether you qualify for Medicaid.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

For 2024, the income limits are generally expressed as a percentage of the FPL and vary by the individual's category. For example, an individual may qualify for Medi-Cal if their yearly income is at or below $20,783. A couple may qualify for Medi-Cal if their annual income is at or below $28,208.

What income do I report to Medi-Cal?

Income is considered when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income includes things such as, earnings from a job, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, self-employment income, retirement benefits, interest on assets, child or spousal support, and other means of income or support.

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.

How often does Medicaid verify income?

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.

What happens if you don't report income to CalFresh?

Reporting requirements and consequences of non-compliance

CalFresh recipients must report any changes in household income that exceed the IRT within 10 days. Failure to do so can result in a reduction or discontinuation of benefits.

Do I qualify for food stamps if I make $2000 a month?

Maximum income for food stamps must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. For a family line of three, the poverty line to calculate SNAP benefits for the federal fiscal year 2022 is $1,830 a month. 130% of this number is $2,379 a month, or about $28,550 a year.

Does CalFresh get reported to IRS?

CalFresh is a nutrition program, funded by the USDA, which also funds free lunches at schools and WIC. CalFresh is not the same as CalWORKs or welfare. You will not have to pay any money back unless you are overpaid. You do not need to report CalFresh on your tax return.