Who is in charge of Medi-Cal?
Asked by: Bailee Jakubowski | Last update: September 17, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)
Who manages Medi-Cal 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.
How do I file a complaint against a Medi-Cal provider?
If you have a Medi-Cal Managed Care plan, you can call the Medi-Cal Managed Care Ombudsman at 1-888-452-8609 for guidance about how to address a problem or complaint. The office is open 8am-5pm/ Monday to Friday.
Who is the parent company of Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is jointly administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), while the county welfare department in each of the 58 counties is responsible for local administration of the Medi-Cal program.
How do I report to Medi-Cal?
To speak with someone about changes to your income, address or household situation, call 888-472-4463 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. or fax your changes to 805-658-4530.
What Is Medi-Cal? (Part 1)
Who funds Medi-Cal in California?
The enacted 2024‑25 budget provides $161 billion for Medi-Cal, roughly half of which is funded by the federal government and the remaining covered by state and local sources. Of this amount, $35 billion comes from the General Fund—roughly 17 percent of total General Fund spending.
Is Medi-Cal private or public?
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.
What is the Medi-Cal income limit?
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). You are a child 18 or younger and your family's income is at or below 266% of FPL ($85,519 per year for a family of four).
Who does DHCs oversee?
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is a department within the California Health and Human Services Agency that finances and administers a number of individual health care service delivery programs, including Medi-Cal, which provides health care services to low-income people.
What does the Medi-Cal Ombudsman do?
The Medi-Cal Managed Care Ombudsman helps resolve issues between Medi-Cal managed care members and health plans, assists members with managed care related questions and problems, and answers questions from members.
Does California have patient advocates?
The Office of the Patient Advocate's mission is to improve California health care quality and advocate for consumer interests by publicly reporting data for informed decision making.
How do I file a complaint against a medical device company?
You are encouraged to file a voluntary report by phone at 1-800-332-1088 or online at MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program if you have experienced a problem with a medical device.
What disqualifies you from 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.
How do I contact Medi-Cal, California?
Telephone Service Center 1-800-541-5555
The Telephone Service Center (TSC) is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Who is the Medi-Cal decision maker in California?
The most appropriate decision-maker is that person who has a close, caring relationship with the person, is aware of the person's values and beliefs, and is willing and able to make the needed decisions.
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.
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.
What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?
If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, you may qualify to purchase health insurance through Covered California. Covered California offers “premium assistance.” It helps lower the cost of health care for individuals and families who enroll in a Covered California health plan and meet income rules.
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.
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.
Who provides Medi-Cal?
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, designed to help low-income individuals and families gain access to necessary medical and health care providers and services. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) oversee the program.
Who regulates Medi-Cal?
DHCS is the single state agency responsible for financing and administering the state's Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, which provides health care services to low-income persons and families who meet defined eligibility requirements. Medi-Cal is authorized and funded through a federal-state partnership.
How much can you make to receive Medi-Cal in California?
You must financially qualify 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.
Which Medi-Cal plan is best?
OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 19, 2023 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Medi-Cal health plan is the highest rated in the state for quality care, according to a December 2022 report from the state's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).