What is the difference between Medicaid and Medi-Cal in California?

Asked by: Prof. Darron Schuppe I  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (37 votes)

Actually, the good news is – there is no difference between the two. Medi-Cal health insurance is merely California's Medicaid program, which is paid for with federal and state tax revenues.

Can you have Medicaid and Medi-Cal at the same time?

The short answer to whether some seniors may qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) is: yes.

What is Medicaid called in California?

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.

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

First, as of July 1, 2022, the state will raise the asset limit in the Medi-Cal programs serving older adults and people with disabilities to $130,000 for an individual and $65,000 for each additional family member.

How does Medicaid work in California?

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

Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid and Medi-Cal?

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Is Medi-Cal free?

What is Medi-Cal?​ 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.

What does Medi-Cal insurance cover?

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.

What disqualifies Medi-Cal?

If a person has more than the limit for a whole month, Medi-Cal benefits will be discontinued. A person's home, furnishings, personal items, and one motor vehicle are not counted. A single person is allowed to keep $2,000 in property/assets, more if they are married and/or have a family.

Does Medi-Cal check your bank account?

Yes. Asset tests are a part of Medicaid eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal is the State of California's Medicaid program. Bank accounts are one of the easier tests for the government to make.

How much money can you have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

You may have up to $2,000 in assets as an individual or $3,000 in assets as a couple. Some of your personal assets are not considered when determining whether you qualify for Medi-Cal coverage.

What is the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicaid?

Medicare provides health coverage to individuals 65 and older or those with a severe disability regardless of income, whereas Medi-Cal (California's state-run and funded Medicaid program) provides health coverage to those families with very low income, as well as pregnant women and the blind, among others.

Do I have Medi-Cal insurance?

How Do I Check My Medicaid Status? 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 are the benefits of Medi-Cal?

​​​What are the Medi-Cal Benefits?
  • Outpatient (Ambulatory) services.
  • Emergency services.
  • Hospitalization.
  • Maternity and Newborn care.
  • Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services​
  • Prescription Drugs.
  • Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services) and devices.

How much is Medi-Cal per month?

How much are the premiums? The premiums for Medi-Cal for Families are $13 for each child and no more than $39 per family per month. What can I do if I disagree with paying a monthly premium? Monthly premiums must be paid for the child(ren) to remain eligible for this Medi-Cal program.

What is the Medi-Cal income limit for 2022?

In 2022, the MMMNA in CA is $3,435 / month. If a non-applicant spouse has monthly income under this amount, income can be transferred from the applicant spouse to the non-applicant spouse to bring their monthly income up to this level.

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal 2021 in California?

According to Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than $47,520 per year or if a family of four earns wages less than $97,200 per year, then they qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Can Medicaid take your house?

Medicaid cannot take your home if you live in it and your home equity interest is under a specified value. In other words, it will not count towards Medicaid's asset limit, which in most states is $2,000. Home equity interest is the value of your home in which you outright own.

Can you get Medi-Cal if you are unemployed?

People who are unemployed may be able to get a health plan through Covered California that includes savings based on your household size and income. You or your family members could also qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal.

Can you own a home and still qualify for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal eligibility is based on the amount of your monthly income and your assets. Even if you own a $700,000 house free and clear of any mortgage you can still qualify for Medi-Cal.

How long does it take to get approved for Medi-Cal?

The process for verifying your Medi-Cal eligibility, from the time your completed application is received to when you receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC), normally takes 45 days.

Are there different types of Medi-Cal?

This guidebook explains the two kinds of Medi-Cal: Regular Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Health Plans. This guidebook can help you choose which kind of Medi-Cal is right for you.

Is Medi-Cal good?

Is the coverage good? The health plans offered by Covered California and Medi-Cal include the same full set of benefits, but Medi-Cal is usually at lower or no cost. ... In a recent survey of Medi-Cal members, 90% of the members who answered rated Medi-Cal as a good or very good program.

Is Covered California the same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal offers low-cost or free health coverage to eligible Californian residents with limited income. Covered California is the state's health insurance marketplace where Californians can shop for health plans and access financial assistance if they qualify for it.

Is Medi-Cal a marketplace insurance?

Enrollment. Covered California is the new marketplace for affordable, low cost and no cost health insurance, including Medi-Cal. It's a “no wrong door” approach that will help Californians learn their eligibility for subsidized health benefits, compare insurance plan options, and enroll to receive coverage.

Is CalOptima the same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal — also known as Medicaid — is a public health insurance program for low-income people offered by the state. ... CalOptima provides health care coverage for Orange County residents who are eligible for full Medi-Cal.