Medi-Cal is a state program designed to help people afford medical care. You can apply online or through your employer. Learn about Medi-Cal eligibility requirements, how Medi-Cal works, and how to calculate your share of the costs. Medi-Cal does not cover all healthcare costs, but it does cover the basics.
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Medi-Cal eligibility
Riverside County Medi Cal eligibility has expanded in Riverside County and now covers nearly 1 million county residents. This program offers health care coverage to low-income people regardless of immigration status and age. Riverside County residents can apply for Medi-Cal coverage on the state website or through their social services office.
Medi-Cal benefits are only available if you receive health care through Medi-Cal-approved providers. Medicare is the primary payer, while Medi-Cal is the secondary payer. Medi-Cal pays the deductible and coinsurance for Medicare Part A and B. It also pays the monthly premium for Medicare Part B.
The monthly income limits for Medi-Cal eligibility are higher than those for SSI or the A&D FPL program. If you meet these income requirements but do not meet the asset-level requirements, you may qualify for Medi-Cal with a share of the cost (SOC). This SOC is like a deductible; you must pay it monthly when you incur medical expenses. Medi-Cal will then pay the rest of your medical bills.
Cost of Medi-Cal
You need to know how it works if you’re considering using Medi-Cal to pay for health care. The Medi-Cal system deducts a certain amount of your monthly income, called the SOC. This amount of money must be spent on health care in a given month, or Medi-Cal will not pay for it. Medi-Cal takes out the cost of health insurance premiums and covers medical expenses before determining the monthly premium. Your SOC must be at least $600 per month to qualify for Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal is a state-run program administered by a local Medicaid office. This program provides health care for low-income individuals and families. It also administers welfare programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Medi-Cal’s share of cost (SOC) calculation works like a deductible. It is the amount you pay in medical expenses before Medi-Cal pays for the rest. The calculation is based on your income and any other health-insurance premiums you pay.
ABLE accounts are not counted by Medi-Cal
If you want to start an ABLE account for a loved one or yourself, the first step is to know what it is. ABLE accounts provide financial assistance to people with disabilities who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. The amount of money an ABLE account can help you achieve depends on how much you contribute. In addition, many ABLE accounts offer value-added program elements. For example, some programs provide a debit card for contributions and a purchasing card. To find out more, consider reviewing your state’s requirements and programs.
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save for future expenses without worrying about how they’ll pay for them. Unlike other health care funds, an ABLE account doesn’t count against the person’s Medi-Cal eligibility. The income limit for countable resources is 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, although a person’s gross income can be higher.
Alternatives to Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is a low-cost, government-funded health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. Its enrollment process is confidential and free of charge.
If Medi-Cal is not an option for you, there are several alternatives to Medi-Cal. For example, a person could enroll in the subsidized home-based services plan through the Employment & Human Services Department. This option allows you to stay in your home or community while receiving Medi-Cal services.
You can seek treatment at a local urgent care clinic if your Medi-Cal coverage does not cover urgent care. This type of care is provided by medical providers who are familiar with your case and can help you. You can also see a primary care doctor if you are a regular Medi-Cal beneficiary.
