Medicare Blog

i live in calif how do i apply for medical or medicare/

by Briana Torphy Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years. You apply for Medicare in California the same as any state: through the Social Security Administration in person, on the phone, or online. Visit the Social Security website.

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778. Contact your local Social Security office.

Full Answer

What are the qualifications for Medicaid in California?

If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, how you receive your benefits depends on the county you live in. For Medicare benefits, you may choose fee-for-service Original Medicare in all counties, or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, if available in your county. If you choose an MA plan, the MA plan that works best for people with both Medicare and Medi-Cal is the Special Needs Plan …

What documents are needed for Medicare application?

Sep 16, 2018 · You apply for Medicare in California the same as any state: through the Social Security Administration in person, on the phone, or online. Visit the Social Security website . Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7AM to 7PM.

When is the deadline to apply for Medicare?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over. Medicare does not cover 100% of all costs and you may wish to purchase other Medicare-related ...

How much do you get for SSI in California?

During the Medi-Cal application process, you can apply online, by phone or in person. The application requires information about you and your family members that helps your local agency determine your eligibility. You will need to provide these details about each person your household: Age. Employment.

How do I apply for Medi-Cal in California?

You can apply for Medi-Cal at any time of the year by mail, phone, fax, or email. You can also apply online or in person. You can only apply for Covered California coverage on certain dates. To learn when you can apply, go to www.coveredca.comor call1-800-300-1506 (TTY 1-888-889-4500).

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal in California?

To qualify for free Medi-Cal coverage, you need to earn less than 138% of the poverty level, based on the number of people who live in your home. The income limits based on household size are: One person: $17,609. Two people: $23,792.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal in California?

Medicare provides health coverage to individuals 65 and older or those with a severe disability regardless of income, whereas Medi-Cal (California's state-run and funded Medicaid program) provides health coverage to those families with very low income, as well as pregnant women and the blind, among others.Jan 25, 2017

How do I enroll in Medi-Cal health plan?

To join a medical plan, call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263. Or you can complete a Medi-Cal Choice Form. You can find the form on the Download forms page. You can use your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) for services through Regular (Fee-for-Service) Medi-Cal until you are a medical plan member.

What disqualifies 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 income limit for Medi-Cal 2021 in California?

According to Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than $47,520 per year or if a family of four earns wages less than $97,200 per year, then they qualify for government assistance based on their income.

Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I have Medi-Cal?

If you have Medi-Cal, you must enroll in a Medicare Part D drug plan. Medi-Cal will pay your Medicare Part B premium if you have full Medi-Cal or a Medi-Cal share of cost (SOC) of less than $500. Medi-Cal pays for your Medicare copayments and deductibles.Mar 9, 2015

Can you have both Medi-Cal and Medicare?

Medicare is primary and Medi-Cal is secondary. In Original Medicare, also known as fee-for-service, it is important to present providers with both Medicare and Medi-Cal cards. With Original Medicare you can choose any medical provider that accepts Medicare and Medi-Cal, no referrals to a specialist is needed.

Does Kaiser accept Medi-Cal?

Kaiser Permanente participates in Medi-Cal in many counties. This means that, if you are a current Kaiser Permanente member and your situation changes, you may be able to keep your same doctor and continue your care with Kaiser Permanente if you qualify for Medi-Cal.

How long does it take to get approved for Medi-Cal?

45 days
The process for verifying your Medi-Cal eligibility, from the time your completed application is received to when you receive your Benefits Identification Card (BIC), normally takes 45 days.Mar 8, 2022

How do I contact Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal Members and Providers: If you have a question, need help, or need to report a problem, please call (800) 541-5555 (outside of California, please call (916) ​636-1980) for our Telephone Service Center. DHCS' hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.Nov 19, 2021

Does Medi-Cal check your bank account?

Because of this look back period, the agency that governs the state's Medicaid program will ask for financial statements (checking, savings, IRA, etc.) for 60-months immediately preceeding to one's application date.Feb 10, 2022

About Medicare in California

Medicare beneficiaries in California have a variety of plan options. They may choose from Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, or various Medicare...

Types of Medicare Coverage in California

Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, is available through the federal government. You will pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage, even if you...

Local Resources For Medicare in California

1. Medicare Savings Programs in California: If your income falls below the government-established amount, you may qualify for help paying your Medi...

How to Apply For Medicare in California

To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years.You apply for M...

What age do you have to be to get Medi-Cal?

To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 or older, blind or disabled .

How long does it take to get Medi-Cal?

Processing your application can take several weeks because Medi-Cal must first determine eligibility by verifying your income and personal assets before coverage can be approved. You may request Medi-Cal to pay retroactively for the three months prior to the month in which you apply. back to top.

What is Medi-Cal in California?

Medi-Cal, the Medicaid program in California, provides health coverage to people with low-income and asset levels who meet certain eligibility requirements. While there are several ways to qualify for Medi-Cal, this section focuses only on Medi-Cal beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicare — individuals who are over a certain age and/or disabled.

Does Medi-Cal cover dental services?

Dental services through its Denti-Cal program. Medi-Cal will only cover these costs and services if you use providers that accept Medi-Cal. If you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medicare is the primary payer (meaning Medicare will pay first for Medicare-covered benefits) and Medi-Cal is the secondary payer.

What is Medicare Part D?

2. Prescription Drugs. If you are receiving both Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits, the Medicare Part D drug benefit will provide your prescription-drug coverage instead of Medi-Cal. You must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan to get these benefits.

What is Cal MediConnect?

Cal MediConnect is a demonstration program with the goal of integrating care for people with both Medicare and Medi-Cal. The demonstration is happening in 7 selected counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo and Santa Clara, and began on various dates depending on the county.

How much does Medi-Cal pay for SOC?

For example, if you have an individual monthly income of $1,300, Medi-Cal subtracts $600 for a SOC of $700 . This means you must pay at least $700 in covered medical expenses and/or health care premiums in a given month before Medi-Cal covers any of your health care costs for that month.

Does California have Medicare?

They may choose from Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, or various Medicare Advantage plan options that are available through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Costs and coverage details may vary, and not every plan may be available in your part of California.

Is there a Medicare Advantage plan in California?

There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans, although not every type will be available in every area. Medicare Supplement insurance, or Medigap, plans are available to California residents looking to supplement Original Medicare by filling in “gaps” in the coverage. In most states, there are 10 Medigap policy options, ...

How many Medigap policies are there in California?

In most states, there are 10 Medigap policy options, all standardized and signified by a letter of the alphabet. All plans of the same letter offer the same benefits, regardless of where the policy is purchased. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans offer prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries in California.

What is a ship grant?

California State Health Insurance and Assistance Program ( SHIP ): SHIP is a federal grant program that provides funding to each state. The SHIP grant supports the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) in California. HICAP provides one-on-one counseling for Medicare beneficiaries in California to help educate them on Medicare ...

What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over.

What is Medicare Patrol?

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps Medicare beneficiaries avoid, detect, and report health care fraud.

Does Medicare cover all costs?

Medicare is a federally funded insurance program for eligible participants 65 or over. Medicare does not cover 100% of all costs and you may wish to purchase other Medicare-related insurance products such as Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement policy.

How do I apply for Medi-Cal?

During the Medi-Cal application process, you can apply online, by phone or in person. The application requires information about you and your family members that helps your local agency determine your eligibility. You will need to provide these details about each person your household: Age. Employment.

Can I apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California?

When you apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California, your letter of determination will let you know if you or a family member qualifies. If you don’t have Medi-Cal eligibility, you may qualify for coverage under Covered California.

What is Medi-Cal in California?

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, helps low-income families get health coverage at little to no cost. Depending on your income and family size, you could qualify for this service. Learn more about applying for Medi-Cal.

Does Medi-Cal cover physical therapy?

Physical and occupational therapy and related devices. Under Medi-Cal, a member may have full-scope or partial-scope coverage. Full-scope coverage involves all Medi-Cal coverage, while partial-scope coverage includes some services.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?

When you have Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare is your primary insurance and pays for most of your medical care. Medi-Cal is your secondary insurance. It pays for costs not covered by Medicare and provides additional benefits not covered by Medicare.

What is Medicare for people over 65?

Medicare is health insurance for: People 65 or older. People under 65 with certain disabilities. People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) – permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. People of any age with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

What is Medicare for ALS?

People of any age with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

What age can you get a kidney transplant?

People 65 or older. People under 65 with certain disabilities. People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) – permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. People of any age with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

What is the definition of ESRD?

People under 65 with certain disabilities. People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) – permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. People of any age with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

What is a medicaid program?

What is Medi-Cal? Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, is a joint federal and state program that helps pay medical costs for people with limited income and/or resources (assets). Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Does Medicare cover medical expenses?

If you have Medicare and full Medi-Cal coverage, most of your health care costs are covered. People with Medi-Cal may get coverage for services that Medicare may not or may partially cover, like basic vision and hearing, dental, non-emergency transportation, incontinence supplies, personal care, and home-and community-based services.

What is Medicaid in California?

Medicaid in California is called Medi-Cal. While Medicaid is often thought of as a health care program, Medicaid long term care in California pays for many non-medical support services that help frail seniors remain living in their homes. The American Council on Aging now offers a free, quick and easy Medicaid eligibility test for seniors.

Is the stimulus check considered income?

Covid-19 stimulus checks (both previous and subsequent payments) are not considered income and do not impact Medicaid eligibility. When just one spouse of a married couple is applying for nursing home Medicaid or a Medicaid waiver, only the income of the applicant is counted.

What are countable assets?

Countable assets include cash, stocks, bonds, investments, credit union, savings, and checking accounts, and real estate in which one does not reside. However, for Medicaid eligibility, there are many assets that are considered exempt (non-countable).

What is a SEP in Medicare?

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, a change in residence, such as moving to another state, could qualify you for a Special Election Period (SEP). During your SEP, you’re allowed to enroll into a new plan that is offered in your new service area.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Advantage?

If your current Medicare Advantage plan is not offered in your new service area, your Medicare Advantage plan is required by Medicare to disenroll you. If you don’t enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan during your SEP, you’ll return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

How long does a SEP last?

If you notify the plan before you move, your SEP timeframe is four months long. It begins one month before the month you move and lasts for three more months after that. If you notify your plan after you move, you can switch plans the month you provided notice of the move and up to two months after that.

How many states have Medigap?

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in 47 states (Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin have their own standardized plans). Because the plans are standardized in most states, you may be able to remain with the same plan.

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