How to Apply for Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid Health Insurance for the Poor

Aug 19, 2009

The typical way to apply for Medi-Cal is to mail in the application or visit the county social services office. A visit often reveals other beneficial welfare programs.

Medi-Cal is California's version of the federally funded Medicaid program. Medicaid is designed to provide health insurance to individuals and families in the United States whose income and assets are too low to pay for care. To qualify, an individual needs to have income and assets below established thresholds, as well as meet other eligibility requirements.

Applying for Medi-Cal

One key benefit to applying in person is that the county social worker helping with the application can recommend other additional social welfare programs in which applicants are eligible for. Most people are not aware of the many social welfare programs out there. Others who should apply in person include applicants with immediate healthcare needs and those who have trouble filling out the 60+ questions on the application.

Eligibility for Medi-Cal

The following people may be eligible for Medi-Cal if their income and assets are below Medi-Cal limits:

The rules for determining income and assets are complex. For example, applicants must have less than $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for a couple) but some assets such as a home or automobile are exempt. Because of the complexity in determining eligibility, the best way to find out if one is eligible is by applying.

Medi-Cal requires documentation to prove income, expenses, and assets claimed on the application. It is best to assemble those documents before visiting the social services office or before mailing the application.

Medi-Cal Insurance Benefits

Once approved, an applicant can choose from one of several health plans depending on the county he lives in. The benefits available are similar to other non-government health insurance plans such as visits to a doctor and drugs. Due to the California budget crisis, some healthcare benefits such as dental, vision, and chiropractic care are no longer included as of July 1, 2009.

Medi-Cal Estate Recovery

One big disadvantage of receiving Medi-Cal is that the state recovers the cost of care by going after the estate of recipients after they die. This includes the possibility of having a home seized by the state, even if it was previously exempt during the initial application for eligiblity. The state will not begin estate recovery while a surviving spouse is still alive. If leaving an estate to heirs is important, other California state programs for guaranteed health insurance should be considered.

Medi-Cal is an important option for many California individuals and families who cannot afford healthcare. The best way determine eligibility is to apply at the local county social services office. Alternatives to this coverage can be explored during the visit with the social worker for those who might not be eligible. Those not eligible for government health insurance should consider other affordable healthcare options.

The copyright of the article How to Apply for Medi-Cal in Health Insurance is owned by John Wu. Permission to republish How to Apply for Medi-Cal in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.