Medicare Blog

what is medicare and medcal

by Dr. Lawrence Abbott Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Medicare is not a dependent upon the needs of an individual whereas Medical is a need based insurance program. • Medicare is a federally funded program whereas Medical is an insurance program started by the State of California with funds shared by state and federal governments.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program
federal health insurance program
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is a system of "managed competition" through which employee health benefits are provided to civilian government employees and annuitants of the United States government.
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for: People who are 65 or older. Certain younger people with disabilities. People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

Full Answer

What is the difference between Medicare and medical?

• Medicare is not a dependent upon the needs of an individual whereas Medical is a need based insurance program. • Medicare is a federally funded program whereas Medical is an insurance program started by the State of California with funds shared by state and federal governments.

Which medical services are covered by Medicare?

Medicare Services Medicare Part A and Part B cover a variety of services, including inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, preventive services, home health care and ambulance transportation. Additional services such as vision and dental care may be available through a Medicare Advantage plan. Get a Free 2022 Open Enrollment Guide

Is Medicaid and Medicare the same thing?

The terms Medicare and Medicaid sound similar and are both government-funded health insurance programs, but the programs are not the same thing and the terms are not interchangeable. Navigating the world of health insurance is difficult enough, and with the surprisingly low amount of information available about these two systems, it’s no wonder that things can sometimes get confusing.

Is medicade and medical the same thing?

Medi-Cal and Medicare are similar in nature, but they usually cover individuals living under different circumstances. Medicare and Medi-Cal both provide health coverage for American citizens, but they do so in different ways for different demographics.

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What is the difference between Medicare & Medi-Cal?

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.

Can I have both Medicare and Medi-Cal?

The short answer to whether some seniors may qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) is: yes. Although some people under age 65 qualify for Medicare, such as individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), our focus in this post is on seniors age 65 and older.

What's the difference between Medi-Cal and Medicaid?

Actually, the good news is – there is no difference between the two. Medi-Cal health insurance is merely California's Medicaid program, which is paid for with federal and state tax revenues.

Is Medi-Cal also Medicare?

No. Medicare and Medi-Cal are two separate programs for health care coverage. Medicare is available nationally to cover seniors and people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, covering low-income individuals and families in California.

Is Medi-Cal free?

Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?

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 are the two types of Medi-Cal?

This guidebook explains the two kinds of Medi-Cal: Regular Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Health Plans.

Who pays for Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. Medi-Cal is supported by federal and state taxes.

What is a medi?

Combining forms meaning middle, median.

Is Medi Medi Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay medical costs if you have limited income and resources and meet other requirements. Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and are called “dual eligibles.” This is also referred to as “Medi-Medi.”

Who Pays First Medicare or Medi-Cal?

Medicare pays first . Medicare may pay second if both of these apply: Your employer (with fewer than 20 employees) joins other employers or employee organizations (like unions) to sponsor a multi-employer group health plan .

What is the Difference Between Medi-Cal and Medicare?

The primary differences between Medicare and Medi-Cal are the eligibility requirements regarding residency, income and assets.

Is Medi-Cal the same as Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides a way for low-income people to have healthcare coverage. Each state runs and manages its own...

Can You Have Medi-Cal and Medicare Coverage?

You can be eligible for and have both Medicare and Medi-Cal. This is known as dual eligibility. People who are dual-eligible may be over 65 or have...

What is the Difference Between Medi-Cal and Medicare?

The primary differences between Medicare and Medi-Cal are the eligibility requirements regarding residency, income and assets.

Is Medi-Cal the same as Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides a way for low-income people to have healthcare coverage. Each state runs and manages its own Medicaid program.

Can You Have Medi-Cal and Medicare Coverage?

You can be eligible for and have both Medicare and Medi-Cal. This is known as dual eligibility. People who are dual-eligible may be over 65 or have a disability, plus have an income level that meets the criteria for Medi-Cal.

Sources

Medi-Cal Eligibility and Covered California – Frequently Asked Questions. CA.gov.

What is Medicare and Medi-Cal?

What is Medicare? The first distinction between Medicare and Medi-Cal is that Medicare is a federal program that acts as monthly health insurance. Once you reach the age of 65, you begin to receive this government benefit that you likely helped pay for through your payroll taxes over the years.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal?

One fairly well-known difference between Medicare and Medi-Cal is that Medicare will typically not pay for costs of staying in a long-term care facility that employs skilled nurses. For that coverage, you will have to enroll in Medi-Cal.

What is Medi-Cal insurance?

Recipients sometimes have to pay a small monthly fee to access Medi-Cal benefits. Medi-Cal, unlike Medicare, is a means-tested government program.

What is the poverty level for Medi-Cal?

This means that you must meet certain financial qualifications to be eligible for Medi-Cal. The test for Medi-Cal coverage is a household income at 138 percent of the poverty line or less.

What are the three M's in California?

In California, the three M’s are known to citizens as Medicaid, Medicare, and Medi-Cal. You probably know that all three of these programs pay for various healthcare costs, but you might still be fuzzy on the distinctions between these three programs.

Does Medicare cover hospital stays?

Medicare generally covers expenses related to doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgery, outpatient care, home health care (including hospice), and brief stays in skilled nursing facilities. There are supplemental Medicare plans you can pay into that will cover some medical costs that would otherwise be out-of-pocket.

Is it worth it to start Medi-Cal?

Because of the cap on income and assets, it is well worthwhile to start planning for Medi-Cal so you are eligible when you need care in a long-term facility. ConclusionPaying for a nursing home or assisted living is difficult due to the exorbitant costs associated with living at one.

What is deductible in Medicare?

deductible. The amount you must pay for health care or prescriptions before Original Medicare, your prescription drug plan, or your other insurance begins to pay. at the start of each year, and you usually pay 20% of the cost of the Medicare-approved service, called coinsurance.

What is Medicare for people 65 and older?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for: People who are 65 or older. Certain younger people with disabilities. People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

Do you pay Medicare premiums if you are working?

You usually don't pay a monthly premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for a certain amount of time while working. This is sometimes called "premium-free Part A."

Does Medicare Advantage cover vision?

Most plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, dental, and more. Medicare Advantage Plans have yearly contracts with Medicare and must follow Medicare’s coverage rules. The plan must notify you about any changes before the start of the next enrollment year.

Does Medicare cover all of the costs of health care?

Original Medicare pays for much, but not all, of the cost for covered health care services and supplies. A Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy can help pay some of the remaining health care costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Medicare drug coverage helps pay for prescription drugs you need. To get Medicare drug coverage, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage (this includes Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans with drug coverage).

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 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.

What is Cal MediConnect?

Cal MediConnect is a type of health care plan that promotes coordinated healthcare and long-term services and supports (LTSS) for seniors and people with disabilities who are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, sometimes referred to as “dual eligible beneficiaries” or “Medi-Medis”.

What is private health insurance?

Purchase private health insurance that charges a premium, like prescription drug, dental, or vision plans. Use the amounts you pay for Medicare co-payments, deductibles, prescription drug costs, and other health related services, such as dental or vision.

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.

Does California have Medicare and Medi-Cal?

Medicare is working with some states and health plans to offer demonstration plans for certain people who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal. California is one of these states.

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.

APPLYING FOR MEDICARE AND MEDI-CAL

Information about Medi-Cal, resources for applying and eligibility are provided by the Department of Health Care Services.

GENERAL INFORMATION

California Health Advocates offers Medicare advocacy, benefits information, and education for Californians.

FRAUD

The Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud Elder Abuse explains how to report suspected Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse to the Department of Justice.

How Medicare Works

Original Medicare is the government-run health insurance program. It’s comprised of Part A and Part B.

How Medi-Cal Works

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. Medicaid is partly funded by the federal government and partly by the state. In California, Medi-Cal provides unified health insurance benefits that cover all necessary medical expenses up to the program’s limits.

Eligibility and Benefits for Each Program

Participation in both Medicare and Medi-Cal is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents. Medi-Cal beneficiaries must be residents of California and may be of any age, while Medicare is open to all eligible U.S. residents aged 65 and over.

How much does Medicare pay for each prescription?

You pay $1-3 for each prescription per month. Covers your Medicare Part A and B copayment. Provides additional Medi-Cal benefits such as medical transportation, incontinence supplies, and personal care in a nursing home.

What is Medi-Cal insurance?

Medi-Cal is your secondary insurance. Medi-Cal closes the gaps in Medicare coverage and provides additional benefits not covered by your Medicare.

What is the second option for Medicare?

Option 2: Medicare Advantage Plan + Medi-Cal health plan. You enroll into a Medicare Advantage managed care plan; Your Medicare Parts A, B and D benefits are assigned to the plan; While you are in the plan, you must use plan providers to obtain medical care; You pay $1-3 for each prescription per month.

What are the benefits not covered by Medicare?

Provides benefits not covered by Medicare such as –. Hearing aids. Incontinence supplies. Dental services. Vision care. Medical transportation. In Home Supportive Services care at home. Nursing home care. There are different ways to use your Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits.

Does Medicare Part D affect your ability to use Medicare?

You enroll into a Medicare Part D plan that only provides drug coverage you pay $1-3 for each prescription per month. Your Part D plan does not affect your ability to use your Medicare. Covers your Medicare Part A and B copayments. Provides additional Medi-Cal benefits such as medical ...

Can I get medical care outside of Medi-Cal?

You can receive medical services outside your Cal MediConnect plan only for emergency care or if you need urgent care outside your service area. The Cal MediConnect plan may provide additional benefits such as dental services that are not covered by Medi-Cal.

Do you have to enroll in a Medi-Cal plan if you have Medicare?

Your enrollment in a Medi-Cal health plan will not limit your ability to use your Medicare coverage. Your Medi-Cal health plan will only manage most of your Medi-Cal benefits.

What is Medi-Cal for Medicare?

Medi-Cal (for People with Medicare) 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 ...

How much does Medi-Cal pay for medical expenses?

Your SOC is determined according to your monthly income, using the following formula: Medi-Cal subtracts $600 (for an individual) or $934 (for a couple) from your monthly income, and any other health-insurance premiums you may be paying.

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.

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.

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.

Which MA plan works best for people with Medicare and Medi-Cal?

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 (SNP) for dual eligibles or D-SNP. If you’re enrolled in a D-SNP, you do not have copays, coinsurance or premiums associated with other types of MA plans.

How much does a person need to be to qualify for Medi-Cal?

To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 or older, blind or disabled. Your countable monthly income may not exceed $954.72 for an individual or $1,598.14 for a couple (higher income levels apply for individuals who are blind).

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