What is Medi-Cal premium?

Asked by: Myra Altenwerth  |  Last update: November 24, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

Medi-Cal monthly premium amounts have been reduced to $0.00 effective July 1, 2022. Monthly billing and collection of premiums for the Optional Targeted Low Income Children's Program (OTLICP), formally known as Medi-Cal for Families program, will no longer be required.

What are the different types of Medi-Cal?

​​​Find Out More About Medi-Cal Programs​​​
  • Medi-Cal Dental Program. Dental services are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program.
  • Fair Hearing. ...
  • Health Insurance Premium Payments. ...
  • Medi-Cal. ...
  • Medi-Cal Eligibility. ...
  • Medi-Cal Estate Recovery. ...
  • Medi-Cal Managed Care.

What does Medi-Cal coverage include?

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.

How do I know what kind of Medi-Cal I have?

Contact your local county social services office to learn about your Medi-Cal status and eligibility. The California Department of Health Care Services has a full directory of each county's agency.

What does full Medi-Cal benefits mean?

Full scope Medi-​Cal covers more than just care when you have an emergency. It provides medical, dental, mental health, and vision (eye) care. It also covers alcohol and drug use treatment, drugs your doctor orders, and more. You can learn more about Medi-Cal at www.dhcs.ca.gov. How will I get full scope Medi-Cal?

How Health Insurance Works | What is a Deductible? Coinsurance? Copay? Premium?

23 related questions found

Does Medi-Cal have premiums?

How much are the premiums? Medi-Cal monthly premium amounts have been reduced to $0.00 effective July 1, 2022. Monthly billing and collection of premiums for the Medi-Cal for Families program will no longer be required.

How much income is too much for 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.

Does Medi-Cal cover surgery?

medications. Inpatient hospital services • Anesthesiologist services • Surgical services (bariatric, reconstructive surgery, etc.) Organ & tissue transplantation • Outpatient laboratory and X-ray services o Various advanced imaging procedures are covered based on medical necessity.

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).

Is Medi-Cal free?

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans.

Who pays for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes.

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.

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.

What is the new name for Medi-Cal?

On January 1, 2023, Cal MediConnect plans transitioned to Medicare Medi-Cal plans (MMPs or Medi-Medi plans) provided by the same companies that provided Cal MediConnect plans.

Can I change my Medi-Cal plan?

Can I change my Medi-Cal health plan? Yes. If you are in a Medi-Cal health plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan.

Can you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal?

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.

Who has to pay Part B premium?

For most beneficiaries, the government pays a substantial portion — about 75% — of the Part B premium, and the beneficiary pays the remaining 25%.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Can I go to any hospital with Medi-Cal insurance?

Emergency Rooms: As stated above, if you have an emergency and you cannot find a doctor right away, you can go to the emergency room at any hospital. If you show your BIC to staff at the emergency room, Medi-Cal will pay for the services you receive.

Does Medi-Cal cover copays?

Medi- Cal may pay for any co-pays or deductibles you accrue under your private health insurance coverage, Medicare Part A (in-patient hospital), Medicare Part B (out-patient services, including specialty care and lab tests), Veterans Insurance, Tricare or any other public or private insurance plan that allows for such ...

Does Medi-Cal cover emergency room visits?

All hospitals accept Medi-Cal yet are unable to balance bill the patient for any expense greater than their Medi-Cal reimbursement. This means no more emergency room bills for the Medi-Cal patient, and no restrictions on the number of times the patient can present for care.

Who is eligible for Medi-Cal seniors?

​​Basic Information​​ 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 the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2023?

Parents of Dependent Children: Eligibility levels for parents are presented as a percentage of the 2023 FPL for a family of three, which is $24,860. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2023 FPL for an individual, which is $14,580.