{"id":189,"date":"2026-02-16T20:56:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=189"},"modified":"2026-03-09T15:53:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:53:26","slug":"whats-difference-medi-cal-medicaid-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/health-insurance\/understanding-health-insurance\/whats-difference-medi-cal-medicaid-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s\u00a0the Difference Between Medi\u2011Cal and Medicaid Insurance?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Medi-Cal is Medicaid \u2014 it\u2019s simply California\u2019s version of the Medicaid program<\/a>. The confusion comes from the different names and the fact that each state runs Medicaid under its own rules, which can affect eligibility, coverage, and enrollment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people may not realize that states have their own Medicaid programs, and it\u2019s easy to mix up the similar-sounding names. However, if you\u2019re a California resident, state-specific information about Medi-Cal<\/a> will be the most relevant to your situation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re a current Californian looking for affordable care or you\u2019re moving from another state, Medi-Cal can be a valuable resource. In this guide, the Freeway team shares the distinction between Medi-Cal and Medicaid, including basic eligibility requirements, what\u2019s included, and how to apply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Medi\u2011Cal? California\u2019s Medicaid Program<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medi\u2011Cal is a California government program that offers affordable health coverage to low-income individuals who make below a certain percentage of the federal poverty level. If you qualify, the government subsidizes your care so you can get treatment at a low or no cost. It\u2019s there to make sure you can see a doctor when you\u2019re sick, get medicine when you need it, and even get regular checkups to keep you healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are multiple levels of Medi-Cal plans. Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital and emergency care. Most people don\u2019t pay anything at all for Part A, as it\u2019s covered by taxes. Part B covers outpatient care like regular doctor\u2019s appointments and ongoing care. Depending on your situation, you may have to pay a premium for Part B care. However, it will be at a majorly discounted rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who\u2019s Eligible for Medi-Cal?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because Medi-Cal is designed specifically to help low-income Californians, you have to fit certain requirements to qualify and get subsidized health coverage<\/a>. To see if you can get Medi\u2011Cal, they look at a few things: <\/p>\n\n\n\n