What is changing in Medi-Cal in 2024?

Asked by: Nathanial Ankunding  |  Last update: August 13, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)

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.

What is Medi-Cal asset limit for 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.

What are the changes to Medi-Cal 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. Medi-Cal managed care enrollment does ​​NOT affect a beneficiary's Medicare providers or Medicare Advantage plan.

Can I have a savings account and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

For example: A Medi-Cal applicant whose total non-exempt property consists of a savings account with a balance of $3,300 in a month must reduce the savings account to $2,000 in that month. In this same situation, where there is a couple, the savings must be reduced to $3,000.

What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.

Medi-Cal Eligibility Updates for 2023

19 related questions found

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.

What is the max age for Medi-Cal?

Beginning May 1, 2022, a new law in California will give full scope Medi-Cal to adults 50 years of age or older and immigration status does not matter. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

What is California Medi-Cal changing?

Beginning July 1, 2022, a new law in California increased the asset limit for Non-Modified Adjusted Gross Income (Non-MAGI) Medi-Cal programs. Non-MAGI programs generally provide health care for seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals who are in nursing facilities, as well as some other specialty groups.

What is the Medi-Cal part b deductible for 2023?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): The standard Part B monthly premium in 2023 is $164.90. Most beneficiaries pay this amount. The Part B deductible is $226 per year.

Does Medi-Cal check your assets?

4. How to Qualify. To find out if you qualify for one of Medi-Cal's programs, look at your countable asset levels. As of July 1, 2022, you may have up to $130,000 in assets as an individual, up to $195,000 in assets as a couple, and an additional $65,000 for each family member.

How many cars can you own on Medi-Cal?

ONE car. Insurance policies. Whole life (if total face value is $1,500 or less) and term life.

Is Medi-Cal based on income or assets?

After January 1, 2024, the fnancial criteria for Medi-Cal benefts will be based solely on income. In California, assets are also known as resources or property (personal property such as cash and savings and real property such as a house or a vehicle).

What is the monthly income limit for Medi-Cal in California?

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. The income limits based on household size are: One person: $17,609. Two people: $23,792.

How long can I stay on my parents Medi-Cal insurance?

Income-Based Medi-Cal

If you or your child's other parent can get employer-sponsored coverage, your child can be on that plan until turning 26. If employer-sponsored coverage is not available, your child can get help paying for individual coverage on Covered California if household income is over 138% of FPG.

Can you have both Medi-Cal and Medicare?

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.

What happens if you don't report 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. 19. You, or any family member receiving Medi-Cal, must not be getting public assistance from another state. 20.

What is the Medi-Cal Pickle Program?

The Pickle Amendment to section 503 of Public Law 94-566 of 1976 established a category of Medicaid eligibility for persons who may have lost eligibility to Supplemental Security Income due to a Social Security Title II Cost of Living Adjustment.

Do you have to pay back Medi-Cal benefits?

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 who own assets at the time of death. If a deceased beneficiary owns nothing when they die, nothing will be owed.

How to avoid Medi-Cal estate recovery in California?

Federal regulations prevent the DHCS from pursuing recovery for Medi-Cal services in the following circumstances:
  1. The deceased's spouse is still alive, whether they live in California or not.
  2. A disabled underaged child of the deceased resides in the deceased's home.