{"id":189,"date":"2023-07-12T20:44:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T20:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=189"},"modified":"2023-12-11T14:53:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T14:53:49","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 The Difference Between Medi-Cal and Medicaid Insurance?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shopping for health insurance to obtain coverage by a certain date can be intimidating and overwhelming at the same time. For those individuals who can least afford coverage, it can be even more confusing as they try to figure out the difference between Medi-Cal<\/a> and Medicaid<\/a> insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actually, the good news is \u2013 there is no difference between the two. Medi-Cal health insurance is merely California\u2019s Medicaid program<\/a>, which is paid for with federal and state tax revenues. It\u2019s the easiest way for low-income California residents, who meet certain requirements, to enroll in a health insurance plan for themselves and their families, despite limited financial means. If your income is within the Medi-Cal limits for your family size, you\u2019ll be eligible to receive Medi-Cal coverage at no cost or low-cost to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Medi-Cal? California’s Medicaid Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medi-Cal is a California government program that helps people with low incomes get the health care they need. It’s like a safety net for your health. If you don’t have a lot of money and you live in California, Medi-Cal can step in to cover your medical expenses. It’s there to make sure you can see a doctor when you’re sick, get medicine when you need it, and even get regular checkups to keep you healthy. Medi-Cal is like a helping hand with your health, making sure that everyone, no matter how much money they have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Medi-Cal is California’s government-funded health care program. Its main goal is to help low-income people and their families get health coverage<\/a>. To see if you can get Medi-Cal, they look at a few things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Money: <\/strong>They check how much money you and your family make. If you make less than a certain amount, you may qualify. The rules can vary depending on the number of people in your family and your age. The rules have also changed a little because of the Affordable Care Act. So, even if you don’t have children, you may qualify if you don’t make a lot of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living in California:<\/strong> You have to live in California to get Medi-Cal. You do not always have to be a U.S. citizen or have a green card. Some immigrants who do not have papers in order can get Medi-Cal, but it may only cover certain things, such as emergencies and pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Citizenship or immigration: <\/strong>Having U.S. citizenship or a green card is not always necessary, but it may affect the type of Medi-Cal you can get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Age and number of family members: <\/strong>Age and number of family members can affect whether you get Medi-Cal. Children may have different money rules than adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Pregnancy: <\/strong>If you are pregnant and do not have a lot of money, you may be able to get Medi-Cal while you are pregnant and even after you have your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disability:<\/strong> If you have a disability, no matter how old you are, you may be able to get Medi-Cal if your income and savings are within certain limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Medicaid? A Nationwide Program  <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medicaid is a program that helps people in the United States who may not have enough money to pay for their medical expenses. It is like a safety net for those who need it. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, medications and other important health services. It’s a bit like health insurance, but provided by the government. To qualify for Medicaid<\/a>, you usually have to have a low income, but the rules can vary from state to state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who’s Eligible for Medicaid?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the United States, access to Medicaid<\/a>, a program that helps people with low incomes pay for their healthcare, depends on some rules set by the federal government and others set by each state. Therefore, the requirements for Medicaid eligibility may be a little different depending on where you live. But here are some general things that usually determine whether you can get Medicaid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much money you make<\/strong>: Medicaid is primarily for individuals and families who don’t make a lot of money. Things like your family size and how much money you make are considered in deciding if you qualify. The exact amount of money you can earn and still qualify can vary from state to state. Therefore, it is best to check with your state Medicaid office or website to find out what the rules are where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


How many people live in your home:<\/strong> If there are more people living in your home, such as a spouse or children, it can sometimes be easier to qualify for Medicaid. This is because the entire family’s situation is taken into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Where you are from: <\/strong>To get Medicaid, you usually have to be a U.S. citizen or someone with permission to live in the U.S., such as a permanent resident or a refugee.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your age<\/strong>: Some Medicaid programs are exclusive to certain age groups, such as children, pregnant women or seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Your health status: <\/strong>In some states, even if you earn more money than the usual limit, you may be able to get Medicaid if you have a serious health problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is covered by Medi-Cal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medi-Cal is more or less like any of the other health plans you can purchase on the Covered California<\/a> exchange; in that Medi-Cal insurance contains the same 10 comprehensive services known as \u201cessential health benefits\u201d as designated by the Affordable Care Act to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n