What is the downside of Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Lourdes Schmidt | Last update: December 14, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (39 votes)
Why does no one accept Medi-Cal?
The most frequent reasons physicians limit Medi-Cal patients in their practices are payment rates and administrative hassles.
What is the disadvantage of Medi-Cal in California?
The perception that Medi-Cal offered poorer coverage or less respectful treatment than other types of insurance. Concerns among noncitizen respondents that applying for Medi-Cal might affect their immigration status.
Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?
What is Estate Recovery? The Medi-Cal Estate Recovery program must seek repayment from the estates of certain Medi-Cal members after they die. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these members on or after their 55th birthday and who own assets at the time of death.
Is Medi-Cal as good as Covered California?
Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family. All of the health plans offered through Covered California or by Medi-Cal include the same comprehensive set of benefits known as "essential health benefits.”
What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)
What does Medi-Cal not cover?
Restricted scope Medi-Cal covers limited services. It does not cover medicine or primary care. If you have pregnancy-related limited scope Medi-Cal, you will have the full scope of Medi-Cal benefits, if the service is medically necessary.
Can you have Medi-Cal and private insurance at the same time?
Even if you have other health coverage such as health insurance from your work, you may still qualify for Medi-Cal. If you qualify, Medi-Cal will cover allowable costs not paid by your primary insurance. Under federal law, Medi-Cal beneficiaries' private health insurance must be billed first before billing Medi-Cal.
How much money can you have in the bank on Medi-Cal?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
What is the 3 month rule for Medi-Cal?
You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply.
Can Medi-Cal take my house?
A primary home is an exempt asset. This means that Sarah's Mom would not be disqualified for Medi-Cal's nursing home benefits simply because she owns a home. She can keep the property while she is on Medi-Cal.
Do most doctors accept Medi-Cal?
Do All Doctors Have to Accept Medi-Cal? Not necessarily. Doctors can refuse to take Medi-Cal patients. Before receiving treatment, check whether the provider accepts Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service payments to avoid having to pay out of pocket.
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.
Is Medi-Cal being discontinued?
Medi-Cal resumed its normal renewal processes on April 1, 2023. From that start date, it has 14 months to redetermine eligibility for around 15 million current enrollees. It's estimated that during this “unwinding period,” two to three million Californians may leave the program.
Is Medi-Cal really free?
Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for Californians who meet eligibility requirements, regardless of immigration status. Most applicants who apply and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through Medi-Cal health plans.
Do all doctors accept Medicaid patients?
INTRODUCTION. Access to primary care for Medicaid patients has long been a concern among patients and policymakers. Previous research has demonstrated that up to one-third of all physicians refuse to accept new Medicaid patients,1 and these percentages have not changed significantly over the past decade.
What are the two types of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is health coverage for low-income children and adults. There are two kinds of Medi-Cal, the expanded Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) coverage and classic coverage. Some Medi-Cal programs have a Share of Cost, but most do not.
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.
Does Medi-Cal cover hospital bills?
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.
At what age does Medi-Cal stop?
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.
What are the new rules for Medi-Cal in 2024?
On January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal eliminated any asset limit for enrollees and instead considers only applicants' income when assessing financial eligibility for benefits.
Can I have a savings account and still qualify for Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal limits seniors and people with disabilities to assets of no more than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples — a restriction that has not changed since 1989. Assets include cash on hand, money in a checking or savings account, a second car, and other resources.
How many cars can you own on Medicaid?
An applicant is allowed to own one car that's not included in your resource limit if it's used for transportation or by another person living in the house, such as a spouse. You also don't have to be the driver of the vehicle. It's important to know that the value of the vehicle doesn't matter.
Can I own a home and be on Medi-Cal?
First, if you own a home, you can still qualify for Medi-Cal. California has one of the best health services in this regard because California does not ask that you sell your home and pay for your medical needs, but rather it will front all the medical bills for you while you are alive.
What happens if I don't report my 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.
Is there a copay with Medi-Cal?
Applying for Medi-Cal
There are no monthly premiums or co-pays! Please visit our How to Join page for more information on applying for Medi-Cal and joining L.A. Care Health Plan. View our flyer on how you can get enrollment assistance at an L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center.