What type of insurance is Medi-Cal considered?

Asked by: Prof. Dale Hackett DDS  |  Last update: November 3, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (30 votes)

Medi-Cal is California's version of the Federal Medicaid program. Medi-Cal offers no-cost and low-cost health coverage to eligible people who live in California. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees the Medi-Cal program. Your local county office manages most Medi-Cal cases for DHCS.

What type of insurance is Medi-Cal HMO or PPO?

Almost all Medi-Cal plans are “managed care plans” which means they function similar to an HMO. Medi-Cal Plans can be found in the Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan Directory. A managed care plan means you'll have a primary care physician, and they're the one person you'll see if you need medical care.

Does Medi-Cal count as health insurance?

Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through 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.

Is Medi-Cal a state plan?

​California's Medicaid State Plan

The Medicaid State Plan is based on the requirements set forth in Title XIX of the Social Security Act and is a comprehensive written document created by the State of California that describes the nature and scope of its Medicaid (Medi-Cal) program.

What is another name for Medi-Cal?

The California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal or MediCal) is the California implementation of the federal Medicaid program serving low-income individuals, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, children in foster care, pregnant women, and childless adults with incomes below 138% of federal ...

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

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Is Medi-Cal a type of Medicaid?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.

Is Blue Cross the same as Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal Managed Care (Medi-Cal)

are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Blue Cross of California is contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan to provide Medi-Cal Managed Care services in Los Angeles County.

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

Medi-Cal is what we call the joint Federal-State Medicaid program in California (just like Covered California is what we call Obamacare in California). Medi-Cal and Medicaid are essentially the same thing.

What kind of insurance is Covered California?

Covered California is a free service that connects Californians with brand-name health insurance under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It's the only place where you can get financial help when you buy health insurance from well-known companies.

Is Medi-Cal state or federal?

Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program for low-income Californians. Medi-Cal—California's Medicaid program—is a state-federal program that offers free or low-cost health coverage to Californians with low family incomes.

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.

Do I have to pay Medi-Cal back?

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.

Does Blue Shield have a Medi-Cal plan?

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan currently serves Medi-Cal members in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. In Los Angeles County, we are contracted with L.A. Care Health Plan. In San Diego County, we are contracted with the Department of Health Care Services.

Is Medi-Cal a managed care plan?

Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (Low or No Income)

These plans have networks of providers, including doctors, pharmacies, clinics, labs, and hospitals. Medi-Cal covers the basic benefits that all health plans cover. Medi-Cal also covers prescription drugs, vision care, and hearing care.

What is the meaning of HMO insurance?

A type of health insurance plan that usually limits coverage to care from doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. It generally won't cover out-of-network care except in an emergency. An HMO may require you to live or work in its service area to be eligible for coverage.

Is California health and Wellness the same as Medi-Cal?

California Health & Wellness provides the same benefits as Medi-Cal, plus more. In this section, you can learn about the health benefits, pharmacy services and value added services California Health & Wellness offers. Need help understanding these benefits and services?

Is Medi-Cal part of Covered California?

Covered California is the new marketplace that makes it possible for individuals and families to get free or low- cost health insurance through Medi-Cal, or to get help paying for private health insurance. Our goal is to make it simple and affordable for Californians to get health insurance.

Is Covered California considered government insurance?

The Covered California Health Exchange is the government agency offering subsidized Obamacare plans for this state.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMOs don't offer coverage for care from out-of-network healthcare providers. The only exception is for true medical emergencies. With a PPO, you have the flexibility to visit providers outside of your network. However, visiting an out-of-network provider will include a higher fee and a separate deductible.

Does Medi-Cal cover braces?

Does Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal Cover Braces? Yes. But, not everyone with Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal qualifies for these benefits. A patient must first be evaluated to rate the degree of the malocclusion, which is a problem in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together in biting or chewing, such as an overbite or under bite.

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

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.

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.

Is Blue California Medicaid?

Coverage that is all about you. At Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, we know that health care is more than a doctor's visit. That's why we provide extra care and support. We offer Medi-Cal in Los Angeles and San Diego counties and have many doctors to choose from.

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.

What is Blue Cross in Medi-Cal?

Blue Cross in American English

US. a nonprofit health insurance organization offering hospitalization and medical benefits to subscribers, esp. to groups of employees and their families. Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition.