Who determines Medi-Cal eligibility?

Asked by: Noemy Thompson  |  Last update: February 10, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (44 votes)

Medi-Cal eligibility is based mainly on income. Once you apply, HSA will help determine whether you qualify for Medi-Cal or other affordable healthcare options. Learn more about your eligibility using the BenefitsCal Ask Robin chat.

What disqualifies someone 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.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medi-Cal?

You are 19-64 years old and your family's income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) ($21,597 for an individual; $44,367 for a family of four).

Who determines Medicare eligibility?

To find out if you qualify for Medicare, contact the Social Security Administration online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

What is Medicaid eligibility determined by?

MAGI is the basis for determining Medicaid income eligibility for most children, pregnant women, parents, and adults. The MAGI-based methodology considers taxable income and tax filing relationships to determine financial eligibility for Medicaid.

What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)

35 related questions found

How does Medi-Cal verify income?

Earned Income Most recent pay stub, written statement from employer, completed employer's income verification letter. All verification must show gross income, pay period, date received and hours worked.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

How old do you have to be to get medi cal?

Adults, who are between the ages 19 to 64, without children may qualify for no cost Medi-Cal benefits. You must reside in California. You must provide information about your income and verification of other necessary information if requested.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?

Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

How much money can I have in my bank account if I have 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. » I was not eligible in the past.

What happens if you make too much for Medi-Cal?

What can I do if I make too much money for Medi-Cal? You may get a private health plan through Covered California. You could also get financial assistance. If you qualify, your local Medi-Cal office will share your information.

How is Medi-Cal eligibility determined?

If your family has income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (266% of FPL if you're a child), you may be eligible for Income-Based Medi-Cal. If you qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are automatically eligible for SSI-Linked Medi-Cal.

Why would someone not qualify for Medi-Cal?

To qualify, you must: Meet the medical requirements of Social Security's definition of disability. Be working and earning income (this can be part-time work). Have countable income less than 250% of the federal poverty level (in 2024, this equates to $3,158/mo.

What is the new law for Medi-Cal in 2024?

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. All other Medi-Cal eligibility rules, including income limits, will still apply.

What is the income cut off for Medi-Cal?

Adults qualify for Medi-Cal with an average household income of less than 138% of the FPL. However, according to the Covered California income guide, children who enroll in Obama Care California plans may qualify for Medi-Cal when the family has a household income of 266% or less.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

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 those who owned assets at the time of death.

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

There is no limit on the amount of cash you can have with Medicare Part A. You do have to have paid taxes for 40 quarters (10 years) during your working lifetime and you have to be age 65 unless otherwise qualified due to a social security eligible disability.

How does Medi-Cal work?

Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health coverage for children and families. Depending on income and family size, you and your family may be eligible to free or low-cost Medi-Cal. If you are pregnant, Medi-Cal may provide you with free or low-cost health care coverage during your pregnancy.

Does social security count as income for Medicare?

In situations where you have Social Security payments in conjunction with an income that meets the tax filing limitations, only the income will be counted toward your total when being considered for income-related medical benefits.

Can I have money in the bank and still get Medi-Cal?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

How do I protect my bank account from Medicaid?

One such option to protect assets is a Medicaid Trust. By placing some of your assets in an appropriate trust, you can protect them from Medicaid and have them not be counted when you are applying for benefits.

Can social services see my bank account?

According to the California Department of Social Services, if you don't have pay stubs or an income statement from your employment, the caseworker at the food stamp office may use the bank records to prove your income.