What happens to my Medi-Cal when I turn 65?

Asked by: Miss Alaina Kunde  |  Last update: November 23, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (60 votes)

If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you automatically qualify for full Medi-Cal coverage. To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 or older, blind or disabled.

What age does Medi-Cal stop?

All California residents under the age of 26 who meet the eligibility requirements can qualify to receive Medi-Cal, regardless of U.S. citizenship or immigration status.

Can I have Medicare and Medi-Cal at the same time?

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.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you are 65?

You can also get Medi-Cal if you are:

65 or older. Blind. Disabled. Under 21.

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.

Medicare / Turning 65 - What to Do?

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What are the benefits of Medi-Cal for seniors?

Medi- Cal provides many of the state's poorest seniors with vital health insurance coverage, including wrap- around coverage for medical services Medicare does not cover. It also provides a safety net for seniors re- quiring long-term care who have exhausted their own financial resources.

What is California Medi-Cal changing to in 2023?

Starting January 2023, Medi-Cal health coverage for most remaining dually eligible beneficiaries changed from Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal to Medi-Cal Managed Care.

What is the highest income for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal Categories
  • You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($20,120 for an individual; $41,400 for a family of four).
  • You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($79,800 per year for a family of four).

How much can I make and still get Medi-Cal in California?

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.

Does Medi-Cal cover more than Medicare?

Medi-Cal also provides additional benefits beyond what's usually included with Medicare Parts A and B, covering prescription drugs, dental, vision care, extended stays in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care in nursing homes.

Does Medi-Cal pay for Medicare Part B premium?

The State of California participates in a buy-in agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), whereby Medi-Cal automatically pays Medicare Part B premiums for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have Medicare Part B entitlement as reported by Social Security Administration (SSA).

What is changing in Medi-Cal in 2024?

Pending approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, beginning January 1, 2024, the second phase of this new law in California will eliminate the asset limit for all Non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs. Additional information about this change will be posted to this website at a future date.

Does Medi-Cal expire every year?

Local Medi-Cal offices review each member's eligibility once a year or when they report changes to their household. Everyone's renewal date is different.

What's the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicare?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over.

What income disqualifies you from Medi-Cal?

Adults qualify for Medi-Cal with a household income of less than 138% of FPL. However, according to the Covered California income guide, children who enroll on Obama Care California plans may qualify for Medi-Cal when the family has a household income of 266% or less.

How does Medi-Cal check income?

The Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medi-Cal method uses Federal tax rules to decide if you qualify based on how you file your taxes and your countable income. Property rules: No property limits. Non-MAGI Medi-Cal includes many special programs.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2024?

Phase I, to be implemented July 1, 2022, will increase the asset limit to $130,000 per individual, and $65,000 for each additional household member. Phase II, to be implemented no sooner than January 1, 2024, will eliminate the asset test entirely.

Is Medicare being reduced in 2023?

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $164.90 for 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $226 in 2023, a decrease of $7 from the annual deductible of $233 in 2022.

Will I lose my Medi-Cal if I get a job?

If you get Medi-Cal coverage and then get a job, you have a couple of options for keeping your Medi-Cal benefits. If you got Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits before you got your job, Social Security's 1619(b) program lets you earn up to $56,758 annually and still keep Medi-Cal coverage at no cost.

What other benefits can I get with Medi-Cal?

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. Read more in “Covered Benefits” on page 12.

Does Medi-Cal pay for everything?

If you meet the requirements of the program, Medi-Cal will help pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and other medical services. Medi-Cal is California's part of a national health coverage program called Medicaid. Each state runs its own Medicaid program.

Is Medi-Cal only for low income?

Medicaid income eligibility in California is based on household size. To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home.